A massage therapist asked me, "why might one levator scapula might be tighter than the other and is this common?"
YES! It is common.
I made this video for bodyworkers to share levator scapula stretches with clients and for anyone to use for relief.
Then...I realized that 3 of my go to stretches for levator also target (at least) 15 other cervical spine muscles. So, I just could not call it a levator stretching video, it felt inaccurate!
Enjoy, share and please do them in order, the 3rd can be intense without warming up.
Also: There is an even more precise way to stretch the levator scapula (hint: use the antagonistic motions all at the same time in multiple planes of motion), but for most people it would be too intense without proper guidance and keen body awareness.
But, here is how that breaks down, for learning purposes.
I caution you to move into this stretch carefully if you choose to try it on yourself or others.
Levator Scapula Actions:
Elevation of scapula (frontal/sagittal plane)
Same side cervical rotation (transverse plane)
Lateral flexion (frontal plane
Downward rotation of scapula
Levator Scapula Precision Stretch:
Depress scapula
Rotate neck to opposite side
Side bend to opposite side (tucking chin to clavicle)
Upward rotation of scapula (probably can only be achieved with passive assistance from an PT or LMT)
We learn about the muscles in an integrated way like this in my live and online anatomy courses. I hope you can join us some time!
More videos like this are also on my Instagram and Facebook Pages. Wherever you hang out.
