If you see a baseball player (or any athlete really) that has one shoulder lower than the other, what are the possible consequences of putting the scalenes on the lower side under constant tension?

Have you encountered neurological weakness from this posture do to scalene hypertrophy?

What did you use as the “fix” to elevate the shoulder girdle and relieve symptoms?

Good question, I’m going to get to the scalenes but want to share a little research I have been doing with you.

There are asymmetries in the throwing shoulder, we know that.  We have a new research study coming out in the American Journal of Sports Medicine soon that shows that the throwing scapula has more anterior tilt and upward rotation that the nonthrowing shoulder in a very large group of asymptomatic baseball pitchers.

The implications of this is that scapular asymmetry itself may not be detrimental, but a normal adaptation.  I have a whole webinar I did on my website on this topic.  We don’t know the answer but I myself don’t always look at asymmetries as being pathological.

To answer your question about a “dropped” scapula, or more specifically a depressed scapula:  We measured this as well and found that there is a statistically significant difference in scapula height in the resting position, BUT when you actively elevate the arms to 90 degrees the scapula height is the same.  I discuss this more here and even show a video demonstrating.

Rather than focus on scalene as you mention, I see this as extra work that the upper trap and levator need to work.  This is why I believe that trigger points are so common in this area.

So, to answer your question, I wouldn’t get too caught up in your scapula position unless you are having movement related issues.  If you are having neurological issues that you relate to your scalene, you should get that checked out by a physician as this can encompass a few different pathologies that need to be addressed sooner than later, such as thoracic outlet syndrome.  This may be more anatomical in nature than simple having an overdeveloped scalene due to your depressed scapula position.