Neck and Shoulder Massage Technique (Neck Pain)

Today's video demonstrates how to perform a simple neck and shoulder massage technique that targets the levator scapulae muscle and can help reduce neck pain.

The strap-like levator scapulae muscle runs from the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae (C1-4) to the superomedial angle of the scapula (shoulder blade).

The levator scapulae muscle has the ability to move both the shoulder blade and the neck. In terms of the shoulder blade, this muscle can create both scapular elevation (think shrugging your shoulders) and downward rotation. When the shoulder blade is fixed, the levator scapulae muscle creates ipsilateral (same side) side bend (ear to shoulder) of the neck.

In many cases, people with both neck and shoulder pain will present with tenderness at the point where the levator scapulae muscle attaches on the shoulder blade. Performing a bit of sustained pressure on this plant is often helpful in terms of reducing pain and improving both neck and shoulder function.

[marijabeleska]

A heartfelt thank you for this video! My mother had months long debilitating pain in the neck and thanks to you she finally got some relief! Thank you for sharing these tips so freely, God bless!

[thetruefeatherqueen]

Tysm for this now i have a word for the area that causes me pain lol! 💙💙💙💙
Edit because I commented right at the start of loading the video, my partner did this for me and we realized just how deeply tense it was! In fact it made me feel the other side for the pain it had. I just couldn't notice the left side because the right side was much louder about hurting lol! My theory is it's because my chest is "gifted" we'll say, but my frame is extremely small for my age. If anyone knows other tips or good videos for tension caused by that please share lol! This one was EXTREMELY helpful. Tysm for making this guide! 💙💙💙💙💙

[Cwill]

I did it on myself and it definitely works

[donaldmac]

Thanks I’ll need to give this a try. I’ve had a problem with my neck for 7/8 months and the exercises am doing aren’t helping. I feel like am broken and unable to left things in the garden that I’d normally just crack on with

[ElMacron]

Is it possible that this symptom cause headaches? Because often when have headaches, it starts from a pain described in this video.

[sarai]

great this looks like it feels awesome. And i do need deep pressure because it hurts so bad. I actually use a hard ball to massage myself on the floor. Now i need someone to do this to me for like an hour

[littlefeather]

Great video. I've had pain in my neck for a long time and figured it was my SCM muscle. It hurts from the back of my ear to my collar bone /trapiez

[renatagilliam]

Thanks so much I'm going to use this technique on my client today

[hatty]

The bit which you said is lumpy is what many feel is knotted up and restricts our neck movements. Can we have another massage techniques to ease that lump feeling please

[zawazn]

Can we use oils to loosen up the area a little?

[angelarios]

I would first address the issue of what position the person is sleeping in. Side sleepers seem to have more issues.

[uhhhidk...]

Well it's time to go get a girlfriend