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Seated levator scapulae stretches

This is an excerpt from Facilitated Stretching 5th Edition With Online Video by Robert E. McAtee.

Levator Scapulae Partner Stretch, Seated

This stretch improves head and neck flexion and helps normalize the position of the shoulder blades on the back.

1. The stretcher sits comfortably on a chair, low stool, or bench, keeping their back lengthened. Ask them to tuck their chin to their chest and then rotate their head to the right about 45 degrees. Stand behind the stretcher and place one hand on the back of their head and the other at the top of their left scapula. This starting position lengthens the left levator to its end range (figure 4.29a).
2. Direct the stretcher to start slowly lifting their head and neck and their left shoulder simultaneously as you provide resistance to this isometric contraction of the left levator for 6 seconds. Be sure the stretcher is not just trying to extend the head on the neck but is lifting the head and neck together (see the isometric push arrows in figure 4.29a).
3. At the end of the isometric push, the stretcher relaxes and breathes, and as they exhale, they tuck the chin closer to the chest to deepen the stretch on the levator.
4. Repeat two or three times.

Levator Scapulae Partner Stretch, Supine Variation

1. The stretcher is supine on a treatment table.
2. Stand at the head and place your right hand on their occiput. Direct the stretcher to lift their head (chin to chest, cervical flexion) and rotate about 45 degrees to the right as far as is comfortable.
3. Use your left hand to stabilize the shoulder blade against the table and maintain your contact at the base of the skull (figure 4.29b). Direct the stretcher to push the head and neck back diagonally to the left (cervical extension). Hold this isometric contraction of the left levator scapulae for 6 seconds (see the isometric push arrow in figure 4.29b). The stretcher is breathing normally throughout.
4. After the isometric push, the stretcher relaxes and breathes in. As they exhale, the stretcher maintains the rotation and flexes their head more toward the chest, deepening the stretch on the left levator scapulae.
5. Repeat two or three times.

Levator Scapulae Self-Stretch, Seated

1. Sit comfortably, keeping your spine lengthened. Use your muscles to pull your left shoulder blade down your back and hold it there. Drop your head to your chest, then turn your chin to the right about 45 degrees. Move your right hand up to the top of your head and pull slightly until you feel a stretch of the left levator scapulae. You may need to play with your head position a little to find this place of stretch. Be sure to keep your spine long (figure 4.30).
2. From this starting position, slowly try to lift your head and neck against your own resistance, isometrically contracting the left levator scapulae for 6 seconds. Relax and breathe, and as you exhale, increase the stretch by tucking your chin more.
3. Repeat two or three times.

More Excerpts From Facilitated Stretching 5th Edition With Online Video

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