Scalene Stretch

Professional Rationale
A basic levator scalene stretch. This stretch is often used along with first rib mobilization and nerve flossing.

Client Rationale
This is a stretch for your scalenes - these are muscles that are deep in your neck and help to stabilize the head, and are used to deep inspiration. The scalenes react to pain and postural muscle imbalance by 'turning on' . It also attempts to take over for the deep stabilizers of the neck creating increased stress on the neck and the thoracic outlet. The Thoracic Outlet is an area deep in your neck through which nerves, an artery, and a vein pass through. When the scalenes are tight they put pressure on these structures, leading to a wide array of symptoms in the arm such as diffuse weakness, tingling, numbness, and/or burning. This stretch helps to settle these muscles down. This stretch works well in the shower, letting the hot water hit the muscle as you stretch.



Instructions

• Sitting in a chair or standing with shoulders down and back and chest up, bring your chin down towards your armpit, creating a stretch in your upper shoulder and back.
• Return slowly.
• Work only in pain free range of motion.
• Do not apply overpressure.
• Do not experience any pain.

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