The levator scapula apears to be involved in a number of shoulder problems and can even be implicated in migraine headaches (1). It commonly exhibits trigger points in cervical radiculopathy cases as well (2). 

From its proximal attachment to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, to its distal attachment to the superior medial border of the scapula, it is poised to provide shoulder stabilization, increasing activity as shoulder abduction increased (3), but interestingly decreased during an overhead shrug exercise (4). Its mean EMG activity seems constant during shoulder elevation in the scapular plane and does not seem to be changed with head position (5). It is recruited during arm extension, thought to provide additional cervical stabilization (6). 

This important muscle is commonly needled in patients with acute neck pain (7) as well as in cases of adhesive capsulitis (8). 

Here, excerpted from a forthcoming dry needling video series,  I review the anatomy and demonstrate some of the more common ways to needle this muscle. Special thanks to Karly Foster for her editing talents!

Needling the Levator Scapula from Ivo Waerlop on Vimeo.

Keep on Needling

Dr Ivo