[amandab]

Firstly you need to consider the requirements of the individual for work/sport as each task has different requirements regarding stability... unfortunately there is no recipe. It is often useful to consider the role of serratus anterior early on, some physios will address this prior to lower traps. Though lower traps are the most "popular" muscle, in some patients the upper trapezius can be weak or lacking in endurance. Start retraining in the most functional position that the patient is able to work in with 100% accuracy for their home program. Early on patients need a lot of feedback as it is hard to "feel" activity of traps and serratus and many athletes will try too hard. Also consider the role of subscapularis in stabilising the glenohumeral joint. It is often more appropriate to treat the Thoracic &/or cervical spine (if dysfunction is found) prior to starting with muscle activity in each treatment session. The best way to find out what works for each patient is to "play" with different strategies. It will be different for everyone. Think of the whole upper quadrant rather than focussing in on one component. Rehab them into tasks and positions that are ultimately going to be used daily for work/sport