Logan Steele
The omohyoid muscle is a small muscle in the neck that connects the upper shoulder and the anterior neck. It is a muscle with two bellies, the inferior and superior, separated by an intermediate tendon. The primary function of the omohyoid is to depress the hyoid bone, which aids in chewing and swallowing. This muscle can be injured or tightened due to intense use, weight-bearing exercises, or inflammatory conditions, leading to pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, collarbone area, arm, and hand. Massage and stretching exercises can help relieve tension and pain in the omohyoid muscle. This paragraph will discuss how to massage the omohyoid muscle to alleviate discomfort and improve overall neck health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bellies | 2 |
| Function | Depresses the hyoid bone, aids in chewing and swallowing |
| Location | Neck |
| Massage technique | Gentle friction massage, neck stretches, soft tissue release |
| Massage tools | Large soft spiky massage ball, yoga mat, tennis ball |
| Stretching exercises | Neck toning exercises, head tilt stretch |
| Treatment for omohyoid syndrome | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants |
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What You'll Learn
Omohyoid muscle anatomy
The omohyoid muscle is a muscle in the neck with two bellies: the inferior belly and the superior belly. The inferior belly originates from the superior border of the scapula (shoulder blade) and runs from the posterior to the anterior across the superior shoulder toward the clavicle. The superior belly is attached to the hyoid bone. The two bellies are separated by an intermediate tendon, which is anchored to the clavicle and first rib by a fascial sling. The length and form of this tendon vary, as does the amount of muscle tissue it contains.
The omohyoid is innervated by the ansa cervicalis of the cervical plexus. The inferior belly is narrow and flat, arising from the superior border of the scapula near the scapular notch and sometimes also from the superior transverse scapular ligament. It is directed anteriorly and superiorly from its origin, extending across the inferior portion of the neck. It passes posterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle to insert at the intermediate tendon.
The superior belly follows a nearly vertical trajectory along the sternohyoid, eventually inserting at the inferior surface of the hyoid body. At its insertion site on the inferior hyoid, the omohyoid superior belly may be individuated or may have blended with the sternohyoid muscle. The omohyoid muscle acts to depress the hyoid bone, aiding in the actions of chewing and swallowing.
Variations in the omohyoid muscle are present in approximately 20% of people. These can include anomalies such as a missing inferior belly, a double omohyoid, or additional muscular slips to the superior belly from the manubrium. The origin site at the superior border of the scapula can also vary in location and size.
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Omohyoid massage techniques
The omohyoid muscle is a small muscle in the neck that can be difficult to isolate and stretch. It is a muscle with two bellies, the inferior and superior, separated by an intermediate tendon. The primary function of the omohyoid is to depress the hyoid bone, which aids in chewing and swallowing.
Gentle Friction Massage
This technique involves creating gentle friction on the omohyoid muscle to unwind the nerves from the surrounding fascia and muscle tissue. Place your hand flat on the skin, applying minimal pressure, and avoid digging into the brachial plexus with pointed fingertips. This area, between the clavicle and the scapula, is sensitive, with multiple arteries, veins, and nerves. You may feel nerve sensations in your upper arm as you stretch and massage the omohyoid.
Self-Massage with a Massage Ball
You can use a large, soft, spiky massage ball for this technique. Lie on the floor and place the ball under your neck, using a rolled-up yoga mat to lift the ball off the ground and control the pressure. Gently move your neck into flexion, extension, and rotation, applying pressure to release nerve fibres from the fascia and tight muscle tissue. Move your arm into different positions to further floss the fibres over the massage ball.
Head Tilt Stretch
Stand or sit upright with your arms hanging by your sides. Place your left hand directly under your right collarbone, with your fingers pointed toward the top of your right shoulder. Gently press down, applying light pressure to the upper part of the pectoral muscles. Tilt your head slightly back and to the left, holding this position for 30 to 45 seconds. Slowly release the stretch and repeat on the opposite side.
Neck Toning Exercise
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slowly arch your neck forward, as if curling your neck over a small object near your throat. Then, arch your neck backward using the same technique, ensuring that your movements are slow and fluid. Keep your shoulders and upper body relaxed, and breathe deeply throughout the exercise. Repeat this motion ten times.
It is important to note that if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in the omohyoid muscle, you should consult a healthcare professional for advice and treatment.
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Omohyoid muscle injuries
The omohyoid muscle is a muscle of the cervical wall extending from the hyoid bone to the scapula. It is situated in the neck and is made up of two distinct sections – the inferior belly and the superior belly. The primary function of the omohyoid is to depress the hyoid bone, which aids in chewing and swallowing.
Injury to the omohyoid muscle is quite common among bodybuilders and those who engage in weight-bearing exercises. Pain is often referred to the omohyoid when there is damage to the surrounding structures, such as a neck whiplash injury following a car accident. Another cause of omohyoid muscle injury is intense vomiting or a flexion/extension injury to the cervical spine and the musculature of the anterior neck.
Omohyoid muscle syndrome (OMS) is a rare condition that causes an X-shaped bulging lateral neck mass when swallowing. This condition has been observed in mixed martial arts athletes, particularly when they are held in a "rear-naked chokehold". This maneuver involves intense neck straining and difficulty breathing, which can result in a stiff neck and a protruding lateral neck mass.
To prevent injury to the omohyoid muscle, it is important to perform slow and fluid neck movements and to keep the shoulders and upper body relaxed. General neck toning exercises can help strengthen the omohyoid muscle and improve flexibility. One such exercise involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and slowly arching your neck forward and backward, curling your neck over an imaginary small object near your throat. Repeat this motion ten times, breathing deeply throughout.
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Omohyoid syndrome
The omohyoid muscle is a muscle with two bellies, the inferior and superior, separated by an intermediate tendon. The primary function of the omohyoid is to depress the hyoid bone, aiding in chewing and swallowing.
Injury to the omohyoid muscle is particularly common among bodybuilders and those involved in weight-bearing exercises. Pain is often referred to the omohyoid when there is damage to surrounding structures, such as whiplash after a vehicle accident. In such cases, treatment may include myofascial release, post-isometric contraction-relaxation stretching, pre-modulated electrical stimulation, and cold packs. As pain levels subside, cervical spine strengthening exercises can be introduced.
To prevent injury to the omohyoid muscle, neck toning exercises can be performed. These exercises involve slow and fluid movements to strengthen the omohyoid and the surrounding muscles. It is important to keep the shoulders and upper body relaxed while breathing deeply throughout the exercise routine.
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Omohyoid stretches
The omohyoid muscle is a small muscle in the neck that originates at the upper border of the scapula and inserts into the hyoid bone, which anchors the tongue. It is comprised of two distinct sections, the inferior belly and the superior belly, separated by an intermediate tendon. The primary function of the omohyoid is to depress the hyoid bone, aiding in chewing and swallowing.
Head Tilt Stretch
Stand or sit upright with your arms hanging directly alongside your torso. To stretch the right omohyoid muscle, gently bring your left ear towards your left shoulder. Hold this position for 30 to 45 seconds. Slowly release the stretch, bringing your head upright. Repeat on the opposite side to stretch the left omohyoid muscle.
A variation of this stretch involves using a table or a bar at thigh height. Stand with your right side next to the table and grasp the corner of the tabletop with your right hand. Gently bring your left ear towards your left shoulder. Hold and release as described above.
Omohyoid Stretch with Hand
Stand or sit upright with your arms hanging by your sides. Place your left hand directly beneath your right collarbone with your fingers pointed toward the top of your right shoulder. Press down gently, applying light pressure to the upper part of the pectoral muscles. Tilt your head slightly back and to the left. Hold this position for 30 to 45 seconds. Slowly release the stretch, bringing your head upright. Repeat on the opposite side to stretch the left omohyoid muscle.
Neck Toning Exercise
Stand comfortably with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly arch your neck forward, as if curling your neck over a small object near your throat. Then, slowly arch your neck backward using the same technique. Ensure your movements are slow and fluid to prevent injury to your neck. Keep your shoulders and upper body relaxed, and remember to breathe deeply throughout the exercise. Repeat this motion a total of ten times.
It is important to note that the omohyoid muscle is located deep in the neck, making it difficult to isolate and stretch. If you experience any pain or discomfort, consult a healthcare professional for advice and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
The omohyoid muscle is a small muscle in the neck that originates at the upper border of the scapula and inserts into the hyoid bone, which anchors the tongue. It has two bellies, inferior and superior, separated by an intermediate tendon.
The omohyoid muscle can be difficult to isolate and stretch due to its location deep in the neck. To massage this muscle, you can try gentle friction massage, neck stretches, and soft tissue release. This area is sensitive, so only apply minimal pressure with a flat hand.
Massaging the omohyoid muscle can help unwind the nerves from the muscle and fascia. It can also increase the range of motion of the neck and make it easier to breathe. Additionally, it can help relieve pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, collarbone area, arm, and hand.
