Name: Levator Scapulae SA Active Release
Uploaded: 2023-04-26T01:00:51.000Z
Duration: 3 min 1 s

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https://stream.mux.com/2pBvNXC8z6oIRJ00HEnzMvnGjZcaTQ01JgB3RaaSofit4.m3u8

Learn how to properly perform a levator scapulae self-administered active release technique 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). Reduce levator scapulae over-activity (hypertonicity), improve neck and shoulder mobility, and decrease 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.

Introduction to Self-Administered Release Techniques

Static Release Techniques for Muscle Groups

Active Release Technique for Levator Scapulae

Demonstrating Active Release Techniques

Final Progressions of Active Release Techniques

Levator Scapulae SA Active Release

This is Brent, President of B2C Fitness,  and we're talking about self-administered release techniques for those muscles that lie just above the scapula. In the previous videos, we did static release technique for levator scapulae, supraspinatus, and upper trap. In this video, we're going to go ahead and progress to active release technique for the levator scapulae. Now, in active release,  I'm assuming that we've already toned down the trigger points.  We've used those static release techniques that I talked about in previous videos, and now we're going to progress.  In active release, we're taking it a step further by trying to bind down adhesive points within the connective tissue, and then pull the muscle through that, improving function. I'm going to have Laura come out and help me demonstrate. So you can assume the same position that we assumed for the static release technique. She's still going to look for the most tender spot. We're going to assume that's where the most adhesion would be. Make sure your standing in good posture.  And then to make this active, I'm going to have her move the ball just superior to the trigger point. Not really off the trigger point, just to the top of the adhesive area. Then I'm going to have her go through all of her neck motions that would elongate her levator scapulae. So that's going to be contralateral flexion, contralateral rotation, a little bit of flexion, as if she's looking into her opposite front pocket. Back to neutral. Back down into a stretch. So the protocol for this is the same as active stretching. We're going to do 8 to 15 reps, with two-second holds in the lengthened position. Now with Laura, this would be where I stop. This is actually a pretty challenging maneuver for her. She's getting quite a bit out of this. But I want to go ahead and demonstrate what the final progression of active release technique for the levator scapulae would be. So she'd go down into her neck progression, and then she would depress and retract her scapula and go into full scaption with her shoulder. She'll go back down and neutral. Look at front pocket. Reach up, back to neutral. Now what she's doing with that, is she's going through all the lengthening she can in her neck, and depressing and retracting her scapula, and with scaption, forcing upward rotation, which further lengthens the levator scapulae. She'd still do it 8 to 15 times, with two-second holds in each position. What you'll find is that you'll release trigger points within a few weeks, moving to this active technique, probably another couple weeks, and once you get close to optimal extensibility of the levator scapulae, you'll be able to move into that last progression, as a way to polish off the last bit of dysfunction. 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) Dynamic 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.

Once, the most tender point is located have your patient move the ball just superior (cranially) to that point, so it abuts the tender point on the superior side.

Once the adhesion is "pinned", cue your client/patient into cervical flexion, contralateral flexion, and contralateral rotation, followed by scapular upward rotation - have them look down into their opposite pocket followed by raising their arm to the wall in the scapular plane.

Hold for 1 – 2 seconds at end range. Perform 10 – 15 repetitions.

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.

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