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Levator scapulae stretch

This is an excerpt from Stretching Anatomy-4th Edition by Arnold G. Nelson,Jouko Kokkonen,Tyler Farney.

EXECUTION

1. Begin in a seated position and grasp the bottom of your chair with your right hand.
2. Bring your chin in toward your chest and rotate your head toward the left shoulder.
3. Using your left hand gently push your head down into your left armpit until you feel a slight stretch along with right side of your neck.
4. Repeat on the opposite side.

MUSCLES STRETCHED

Most-stretched muscles: Levator scapulae, upper and middle trapezius, supraspinatus, latissimus dorsi, semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis, longissimus capitis, upper erector spinae (iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis)

Less-stretched muscles: Rhomboids, lower trapezius, posterior deltoid

STRETCH NOTES

The levator scapulae muscle, as well as the muscles surrounding it, are especially utilized with the raising or lowering of objects. We perform activities multiple times a day that make use of this type of motion: lifting or carrying things such as groceries, tools, and children; playing various sports; manual labor. The list goes on and on. All of the demands placed on these muscles can result tension or soreness if the muscles are not well conditioned or are overused.

The levator scapulae stretch specifically targets the scapulae muscle as well as the muscles surrounding it, which all aid in the motions listed above. Performing this stretch as part of a regular stretching routine will help strengthen and relieve tension or stiffness in these muscles.

More Excerpts From Stretching Anatomy-4th Edition

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