![]() ![]() Freeing this muscle along with the other muscles surrounding the shoulder blade allows for better shoulder flexion and stronger overhead lifts. It has a fascial connection to the supraspinatus muscle of the rotator cuff. Stop the movement when you feel a slight sting in the right side of your neck. Stretch the muscle in this manner for 5 to 10 seconds. Levator scapula is part of the ‘Core-Four’ Upper. Place your left hand behind your head and gently pull it at an angle toward your knee. ![]() (Image courtesy of Tom Myers: from his groundbreaking book – “ AnatomyTrains“)Ībove image shows levator scapula on the left – spanning from side of neck down to supraspinatus of the rotator cuff and top of left shoulder blade. A much more effective approach than jamming an elbow or ball into the top of the shoulder blade! The goal is not to lengthen the muscle, but free the surrounding fascia, which is accomplished through lateral flexion and rotation of the neck. Following chiropractic care and assisted muscle stretching, this is a simple stretch easily done at home to maintain optimal. However, freeing the fascia of the neck with this stretch is a good approach for a more relaxed shoulder and resolving the knot that is often treated with a therapists elbow or through treatment with a lacrosse ball. Proper treatment includes improving thoracic flexibility and ribcage position to allow the head to be better supported. Tom Myers calls this muscle ‘capitus preventus (from going) forwardus’ – referring to this action, which is not the muscle’s normal healthy function. That knot at the top of your shoulder blade is often a sign that levator scapula is acting as a brake to control forward head position (computer posture). Clasp your hands behind your head at the base of your skull, elbows. ![]() Then do a slightly forward nod of your head until you felt a stretch to the left side and back of the neck. There is one Levator Scapulea on each side of the neck. Levator Scapulae/PSM Stretch Sit erect on a firm chair, or cross-legged on the floor. Tilt and turn your head to the right side. top part) for the bottom attachment point. More technically it attaches near the C1-C3 vertebrae on top and to the superior angle of scapulae (e.g. It generally extends from behind ears and trails into the tops of the shoulders. Levator scapula spans from the top of the shoulder blade to the side of the neck.Ī tight levator scapula interferes with the fixed position of the shoulder blade during shoulder flexion – compromising shoulder position during overhead lifts. Conclusion This study showed that middle and lower trapezius strength exercises and levator scapulae and upper trapezius stretching exercises are more. The Levator Scapulae is found on the back of the neck. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |