VersaKinetic Therapy LLC

In the spirit of upcoming National Pet Day, we wanted to show some love to the fur-children of VK! Nellie, Valor, and Luna make both their humans and our patients very happy! Sloppy kisses and therapy biscuits for everyone! 🐶😸❤️

Case Study Follow up:

Patient returned for 2nd visit, with reported less burning into ribs and better OH mobility. Still with some scapular pain, but also improved. First provided picture also shows his scapular position after one visit

The muscle at fault for most of his pain was the serratus anterior, along with some subscapularis involvement. The serratus anterior is the main protractor of the scapula, along with helping stabilization against the ribs. It also helps with upward rotation of the scapula when overhead. Remember that our patient worked 60+ hrs OH painting and helped transfer/care for his father at home. We tend to see acute scapular winging when the serratus anterior is overworked, causing the surrounding muscle to guard and tighten

Pictures 2 and 3 show cupping around the scapular border for circulation, and dry needling to the subscapularis muscle, lat, pec, and around involved nerves. Not pictured are other modalities for soft tissue release and to decrease inflammation.

Patient was give specific exercises to correct his scapular winging and foam rolling to open his mid back, allowing his shoulders to relax. Picture 4 shows his posture and scapula before visit 3. Nearly back to normal and with much better symmetry and no reported pain

Taking a good history and really listening to a patient will give you 80% of the answer. The other 20% is good old fashioned hard work.

Shout out to Mike Stauch bringing home

4 GOLDS and 1 BRONZE 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥉

at the 2026 USATF Masters Indoor Championships in Race Walking and Running!

He’s committed to his recovery and training which shows in his results! Way to go, Mike! You are amazing!

CASE STUDY

Patient presented to the clinic, with recent onset of R shoulder and rib cage pain. No known injury or past history of pain/issues. Pain described as deep underneath his scapula and through his armpit, extending along his rib cage. Often either burning or throbbing in nature

Pertinent history: owns his own painting company, finished a 60 hr job working mostly overhead with heavy rollers. Often pushes roller with R arm. Also helps care for and transfers his father, who recently had a stroke. Shoulder special tests (-) for labrum, mostly (-) RTC w/ some pain on Empty Can test. R shoulder blade appears as pictured, with extreme tenderness along the border and into armpit.

What would be your logical conclusion for what muscle is irritated and the causing this patients pain pattern and symptoms? Drop a guess in the comments below and stay tuned for the answer and treatment plan next wk!

(**Permission given from patient to share photo and basic history)

A question we are occasionally asked: When is surgery the right choice? As physical therapists, we help our patients navigate this personal decision. Some key indicators that it might be time to consult a surgeon include:

1) Nighttime pain that won't subside
2) Modified routines with no pain relief
3) Pain impacting work performance
4) Difficulty with everyday tasks
5) No improvement with conservative treatment, injections, or continued therapy.

While we may not be able to fix your issue(s) 100% of the time, we can help guide you in your journey for the next level of care