Name: Levator Scapulae SA Static Release
Uploaded: 2023-04-26T01:02:06.000Z
Duration: 2 min 33 s

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https://stream.mux.com/L9pevzN7duPgQJl7QFSyoC7Ya1600S3KPSFGVX2LfVzs.m3u8

Learn how to properly perform a levator scapulae self-administered static release in this comprehensive step-by-step instructional video from the Brookbush Institute. This evidence-based video provides expert coaching on setup, positioning, alignment, and technique (including progressions and regressions). Safely reduce levator scapulae hypertonicity, improve cervical and shoulder mobility, and decrease upper back and neck discomfort associated with postural dysfunction. Suitable for all fitness levels. Perfect for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and rehabilitation clients seeking to reduce pain, improve posture, and restore optimal movement mechanics while reducing injury risk.

Understanding Upper Back Muscles and Dysfunction

Self-Administered Techniques for Trigger Points

Demonstrating Levator Scapulae Release Techniques

Identifying Trigger Points and Proper Techniques

Levator Scapulae SA Static Release

This is Brent, President of B2C Fitness, and we're talking about self-administered static release techniques of those muscles that line just above our shoulder blade. Now, we have three muscles up there, we have the levator scapulae, the supraspinatus, and the upper trap. Despite the upper trap taking blame for most of the tightness in this area, what we find is that it's actually the levator scapulae that gets tightest first. This has to do with a more detailed explanation of our upper-body dysfunction where the scapula goes into downward rotation, and anterior tipping. Now, the muscle that's best at that is the levator scapulae, if we take it a little further we find that the supraspinatus is next in line to develop trigger points, and the trap is actually the least likely of the three to develop trigger points and adaptively short. So, in this way, we create a little progression. The first thing I would like you to go after is levator scapulae trigger points, then followed by supraspinatus trigger points, and then if there're still trigger points left, we'll go after the traps. So I'm going to have Laura come out and help me demonstrate this levator scapulae self-administered static release. Now, your levator scapulae runs from the superior angle of your scapula, up into your neck, so if you palpate this upward corner, and then go just above it, you'll find those trigger points you're looking for. So I'm going to have Laura place the ball where she thinks those trigger points are. She's going to go ahead lean up against the wall, and then place her hand there to stabilize the ball. Now, notice she's using the opposite hand, but if you use the same hand you'll activate the levator scapulae and you're less likely to get a release. Now, when she has found the most tender spot by rolling around just a little bit, she can put that muscle in stretch, by going into contralateral flexion, contralateral rotation, and a little bit of flexion, so she's going to look into her opposite pocket. Then, she's going to hold that until she gets a release. That usually happens within 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Now, one thing I would suggest against is, every once in a while I see somebody try to perform this technique on the floor. When you're on the floor, your head goes back into extension shortening that muscle way down, and it also makes it much harder to get comfortable. So, if you try this technique, once again, we're going to go up against the wall with a little bit of pressure, until we get a release. Thank you.

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Knowing levator scapulae, rhomboids, upper trapezius, and pectoralis minor release and lengthening techniques can reduce shoulder pain, neck pain, scapulothoracic pain, etc. and improve fitness performance.

Scapula Muscles: Release and Lengthening

Integrated functional anatomy of the levator scapulae. Attachments, nerves, palpation, joint actions, arthrokinematics, fascia, triggerpoints, and behavior in postural dysfunction. Common exercises, foam rolling, neck releases, and stretches for the levator scapulae.

Levator Scapulae

Levator Scapulae (Self-Administered) Static Release:

Explain to your patient/client where they can find their levator scapulae, and if necessary palpate the area you would like to target with the release tool.

Before asking your patient/client to place the ball behind their shoulder blade, demonstrate the technique.

Instruct your patient/client to assume a position standing against a wall, with a ball or similar release tool placed on their levator scapulae, just superior to the superior angle of the scapula.

Have your patient/client lean back into the ball (pinning the ball between the levator scapulae and the wall behind them)

Have your patient/client use their opposite hand to adjust the ball, keeping the arm of the levator scapulae to be released relaxed, and by their side.

Using the same arm, may increase levator scapulae activity and reduce the chance of reducing over-activity (achieving a "release").

Have your patient/client roll the ball or release tool superior to inferior and medial to lateral, using the release tool to scan for the most tender point.

When the most tender point is located, have your patient hold still on that point and attempt to relax.

It may be helpful to lengthen the muscle during this technique by cueing your patient into flexion, contralateral flexion, and contralateral rotation (looking into the opposite pocket).

Wait for the discomfort to subside or for a “release” to occur (generally 30 – 120 seconds).

Move on to another tender point or the next muscle to be released.

Attempting this technique in a supine position places the thoracic spine, cervical spine, and shoulder in a compromised position and is not recommended.

Adjust the release tool by hand when necessary, there is no need to assume a position that you would use in "limbo" to get pressure on a trigger point.

Numbness, tingling, and searing pain are not good things! If tingling, numbness, or searing pain is felt in the shoulder, arm, or fingers, try to move a centimeter or two in any direction. If a comfortable position cannot be found, discard this technique. Although this position is unlikely to impinge a nerve, it is possible to stretch the brachial plexus.

Levator Scapulae SA Static Release

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Teres Major and Latissimus Dorsi SA Static Release

Upper Trapezius SA Static Release

Thoracic Spine Self-Administered Mobilization

Posterior Shoulder SA Static Release

Subscapularis SA Static Release

Supraspinatus SA Static Release

Pectoralis Minor SA Static Release

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