Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1128556
Follow this up with plenty of work with other neck muscles, the trapezius, and the pecs, and many clients will stand up with a considerable improvement in their range of motion. Ta k e 5 a n d t r y A B M P F i v e - M i n u t e M u s c l e s a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / f i v e - m i n u t e - m u s c l e s . 95 Watch "How to Massage a 'Crick in the Neck'" hand will remain here for the duration of the technique. 2. Using the fi ngertips of your other hand, compress the tissue along the side of their neck near C5. 3. Draw the fi ngertips of your superior hand up to about the level of C4, then compress and hold. 4. Continue this process, superiorly moving your fi ngertip contact and applying sustained pressure at the level of each vertebra. 5. Gradually remove both contacts, then proceed to work with related muscles. As you may have noticed, this has a lot in common with the myofascial stretch concept we discussed in the last issue (May/ June 2019, page 96). We're restraining the fascia near the tendinous insertion of the levator scapulae, and then applying pressure at various points along the body of the muscle, creating fascial stretch in a way that is comfortable for this distressed muscle. In doing so, we're accomplishing something important: we're proving to the client's nervous system that painless stretch is possible. This can potentially stop that cycle of pain and spasm that keeps this crick going. Want to reinforce that idea even further? Repeat this process with the neck in a different position, or ask the client to gently and slowly move their neck (in a comfortable way!) while you maintain the two points of compression. Follow it up with plenty of work with other neck muscles, the trapezius, and the pecs, and many clients will stand up with a considerable improvement in their range of motion. Going forward, consider including work specifi cally for the levator scapulae in more sessions. This issue is more common than we think, and a little focused attention can make a big difference. Ian Harvey specializes in myofascial-inspired techniques that are kind to client and therapist. He produces free massage tutorials on YouTube under the name Massage Sloth, and his blog can be found at www.massagesloth.com. 1 3 5 2 4 Continue work with the neck, upper back, and chest. Apply pressure along the levator scapulae. Warm up the area. Gradually stretch the fascia. Make contact with the superior angle.