Levator scap work

[pumpernickel o]

Many many clients have an overly tight levator scapula because of its reflexive nature in upper-crossed syndrome.  I find it rather hard to work on.  It seems like I cant get a good broad-based compression/glide in there.  I don't have a problem doing trigger point work on it, but I would like to be  able to soften it up better before hand.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  (please don't dwell on use of the thumbs.)  Thank you

 

[Pete]

With the head rotated to the side in the supine postition, I do some palm gliding first and then switch over to knuckles.  Taking the knuckles from the occiput to the scapula (or out to across the trapezius).  This is a bit easier on the hands and seems to help soften the area well.I have used my forearms to work that area too while in client is in the prone postition.Working origin and insertion for the levator has worked very well too.I also use heat prior to massaging the area to help soften it.I have smaller hands and I would imagine that area being hard to work on with larger hands.  Could that be part of it for you?

 

[JAM!]

Thank you.  Yeah my hands tends to be part of the problem.  I do something similar to that when client is supine.   Heat..thats a great idea to soften it...

 

[Ladyhawke]

Levator

My favorite move and it seems to release the levator is to get on the insertion at the superior angle of the scap (elbow, thumb, tool whatever) and then have the client roll their shoulders slowly forward and back, then shrug up and down. I check the rom before and after and it seems to loosen it up. I also cross fiber or stripe up to the origin. This is a great move on the chair too.

 

[Linkin Park is my Heart]

Try treating the anterior attachments of the lev. scap. Manually elevate the scapula allowing you to target the superior angle of the scapula, reach underneath and apply friction to the anterior portion. An extremely tender area, but great results.

 

[Gaaaaaaaaaaz]

I was taught the same meathod as Jay stated above. I would make sure to warn the client before attempting it as it is a very tender location. If I forget to, I then end up getting the withdrawal reaction of them trying to pull their scapula back down against my pressure. But otherwise it is a very effective treatment after I have fully worked on the neck from the supine position.

 

[Pompal 09.]

It is definitely a shock to many clients since the anterior fibers do not typically have alot of physical contact.
I find one of the best stretches for an extremely tight Levator Scapula is a simple protraction stretch. Hands around the bent knee and then push your knee forwards, causing your shoulders to protract forwards as far as possible. Many people bawk at this as it is more of a rhomboid stretch, but seeing as how Levator Scapula dysfunction has a dramatic effect of the Rhomboid Minor, this is a good thing. The levator also receives a good strong stretch.