Levator Scapula – Nicole Gillett

Levator Scapula – Nicole Gillett

The legator scapula muscle is located on the back and a little to the side of the neck. Its function is in its name, it lifts the scapula (Shoulder blade). We, as massage therapists, work on this muscle a lot due to it being tight on pretty much everyone. Bad posture and working at a computer will place stress on this muscle and can cause problems over time. This muscle can feel ache and tightness in the shoulder blade and/or neck. Pain in this muscle usually happens after sitting or driving for a long period of time and could happen in turning of the neck. Massage can be very beneficial for the legator scapula due to scar tissue that can easily build up over time and to the tightness in the surrounding muscles. Stretching and heat can relieve pain for short periods of time.