Treating the Levator Scapulae
Levator Scapulae Muscle
Treating Levator Scapulae Trigger Points - Dr. Jonathan Kuttner
Ischemic Compression Technique
Stretching for Levator Scapulae
Almost all neck pain will have myofascial trigger point contributions, and levator scapulae is commonly involved
Levator scapulae is deep to the SCM and trapezius. It is named after its action of elevating the scapula.
The levator scapulae acts eccentrically to decelerate the downward forces created by the lower fibers of the trapezius and serratus anterior. The levator scapulae decelerates contralateral side flexion in the cervical spine.
Almost all neck pain will have myofascial trigger point contributions, and this muscle is commonly involved.
Pain will be experienced at the angle of the neck from the superior angle, making its way down to the medial aspect of the inferior angle, with spillover all the way along the medial border of the scapula.
Clients will often present with a stiff neck and reduced range of motion.
Dry Needling the Levator Scapulae - Paul Townley
Levator Scapulae - Common Trigger Point Sites
Origin
Posterior tubercles of transverse processes of first three or four cervical vertebrae (C1–4).
Insertion
Medial (vertebral) border of scapula, between superior angle and spine of scapula.
Connections
Action
Elevates scapula. Helps retract scapula. Helps bend neck laterally.
Nerve
Dorsal scapular nerve C4, 5, and cervical nerves C3, 4.
Basic Functional Movement
Example: carrying a heavy bag.
Sports that heavily utilize this muscle
Examples: shot put, weightlifting.
Levator Scapulae - Typical Referred Pain Patterns
Trigger Point Referred Pain Patterns
Triangular pattern from top of scapula to nape of neck. Slight overspill to medial border of scapula and posterior glenohumeral joint.
Indications
Stiff and painful neck with limited rotation of cervical spine, long-term use of walking stick, neck pain and stiffness, problems turning neck (e.g. driving).
Causes
RTA, holding telephone ear to shoulder, side sleeping with wrong pillows, backpacks, poor posture, sustained habits or occupation, TV/monitor position, stress and tension, cold/flu or cold sores, sports (swimming front crawl).
Differential Diagnosis
Scapulothoracic joint dysfunction; winging of scapula. Apophysitis and capsular-ligamentous apparatus. Shoulder impingement syndromes.
Trigger Point Treatment Techniques
| Spray and Stretch | YES |
| Deep Stroking Massage | YES |
| Compression | YES |
| Muscle Energy Techniques | YES |
| Positional Release | YES |
| Dry Needling | YES |
| Wet Needling | YES |
Self help
Self-massage techniques can be very helpful; especially balls and pressure tools.
General advice to patients
Hold telephone shoulder to ear. Stress. Occupation. Air conditioning. Passive stretching. Heat and warmth. Scarf in cold weather. Change walking stick position.
Links
Find a Trigger Point Professional in your area
Trigger Point Tools and Accessories
Dry Needling for Trigger Points
Certify as a Trigger Point Therapist
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NAMTPT AWARD 2017
We are honored to have received the 2017 "Excellence in Education" Award from the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists.
Since 1999 Niel Asher Education has won numerous awards for education and in particular for education and services provided in the field of trigger point therapy.
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Niel Asher Healthcare course instructors have won a host of prestigious awards including 2 lifetime achievement honorees - Stuart Hinds, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, AAMT, 2015, and Dr. Jonathan Kuttner, MD, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, NAMTPT, 2014.
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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
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