Static Manual Release: Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae and Splenii (for Upper-Body Dysfunction and Cervical Dysfunction)

This course describes static manual release techniques for cervical spine muscles commonly assessed as over-active and prone to trigger point development. Unfortunately, it is easy to be confused by a large number of synonyms for the terms used for these techniques. For example, the techniques described in this course may be considered refinements of neck massage, cervical massage therapy, therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, trigger point massage, static compression techniques, cervical soft tissue mobilization, muscle inhibitory techniques, and manual therapy techniques. Even the term trigger point is referred to by a variety of synonyms including muscle knots, nodules, adhesions, over-active muscle fibers, hypertonic fascicles, spasms, and acute points of hyper-contractility, and the trigger point phenomenon is likely part of every reference to short muscles, muscle tightness, muscle spasm, upper back stiffness, neck stiffness, etc. Part of the reason there are so many synonyms is the rich history of scientific inquiry, from multiple disciplines and cultures, that have contributed to our understanding of the techniques described in this course.

This course includes techniques for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and splenius cervicis muscles. Release techniques for these muscles are commonly included in an integrated program designed to address neck pain, neck stiffness, upper back pain, scapular (shoulder blade) muscle pain, and potentially radiculopathy ("pinched nerve"). These techniques may also aid in addressing posture correlated with cervical and upper thoracic dysfunction including forward head posture, thoracic kyphosis, and often correlated with rounded shoulder posture. Last. these techniques may be beneficial when included in an integrated program designed to address shoulder dysfunction (e.g. shoulder impingement syndrome), upper back pain (e.g. thoracic spine dysfunction), and lower back pain (lumbar spine dysfunction).

The techniques in this course are recommended for all clinical human movement professionals (physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) to develop an evidence-based, systematic, integrated, patient-centered, patient-centered, and outcome-driven approach.

Techniques Covered in this Course:

• Upper Trapezius Manual Static Release
• Levator Scapulae Manual Static Release
• Splenius Capitis and Splenius Cervicis Manual Static Release

Additional Static Manual Release Courses

• Static Manual Release: Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae and Splenii
• Static Manual Release: Suboccipitals, Sternocleidomastoid (SCM), Scalenes and Cervical Extensors
• Static Manual Release: Scapular Muscles
• Static Manual Release: Shoulder Muscles
• Static Manual Release: Trunk Muscles
• Static Manual Release: Hip Flexors
• Static Manual Release: Hip Internal Rotators
• Static Manual Release: Hip External Rotators
• Static Manual Release: Tibia External Rotators
• Static Manual Release: Lower Leg Muscles

For a review of muscle fiber dysfunction and trigger point etiology:

• Muscle Fiber Dysfunction and Trigger Points
• Trigger Point Assessment and Palpation