Dominic Stone
The scalene muscles are a group of small muscles in the neck that can cause a lot of pain if left untreated. Massage therapists often avoid addressing these muscles due to the potential for greater sensitivity in this nerve-rich region. Erik Dalton, the creator of the Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT), has developed a therapeutic massage technique for the anterior scalene muscles that can be used to alleviate pain in the arm, neck, and shoulder. This technique can be learned through MAT training courses and aims to teach practitioners how to properly push the anterior scalene muscles down and away to feel for dysfunction. Additionally, self-release techniques such as the Scalenes Active Massage can be used to decrease pain and tension in the scalene muscles by using a massage or lacrosse ball to compress gently on the front and outer aspect of the neck.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Technique | Erik Dalton's Anterior Scalene Technique |
| Muscle Group | Anterior Scalene |
| Type | Therapeutic Massage |
| Objective | Alleviate pain in the arm, neck, shoulder, and other related areas |
| Tools | Massage or lacrosse ball |
| Action | Compress gently on the front and outer aspect of the neck |
| Movement | Rotate the head to the opposite side for a stretch |
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What You'll Learn
Self-release techniques to reduce pain and tension
The scalene muscles are small and sensitive due to the nerve-rich region they occupy. Any dysfunction within these muscles can cause pain in the neck, head, shoulder, and arm. While a professional massage therapist is ideal for addressing these issues, there are some self-release techniques you can use to reduce pain and tension in the scalene muscles.
One such technique is the Scalenes Active Massage. This technique involves using a massage or lacrosse ball to gently compress the front and outer aspect of your neck. To perform this massage, start by placing the ball on the front and outer part of your neck, near the scalene muscles. Gently press the ball into your neck, using a slight amount of pressure. Then, slowly rotate your head to the opposite side to stretch and actively massage the scalene muscles. This technique can help decrease pain and tension in the scalene muscle group, providing relief from neck and shoulder discomfort.
Additionally, there are some simple neck exercises you can do to stretch and strengthen the scalene muscles. These include:
- Deep Neck Flexor Endurance: Focus on stretching and strengthening the deep neck flexors for improved cervical spine stability.
- Cervical Lateral Flexion: Stretch and strengthen the lateral neck muscles for improved range of motion and flexibility.
- Neck Rotations: Gently rotate your neck to stretch and loosen the scalene muscles, improving neck flexibility and reducing tension.
By incorporating these self-release techniques into your routine, you can actively manage pain and tension in the scalene muscles, improving your overall neck and shoulder health. Remember to always listen to your body and adjust the pressure or motion as needed. If discomfort persists or increases, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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Massage ball placement for the front and outer neck
To relieve scalene muscle pain, you can use Yoga Tune Up® Therapy Balls or a lacrosse ball to massage your neck.
Place the massage ball in between your front deltoid and outer pectoral, close to your armpit. Keep your arm straight or at a 90-degree angle and pull it towards your lower body without causing any discomfort in your shoulder joint. For added pressure, push your opposite hand into the ground, so you are leaning into the ball. Roll the length of your pectorals and front deltoid for 30-60 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
You can also place the massage ball on your upper spine, just above your traps. Roll up and down the length of your upper back and lower neck, massaging the sore spots. 60 seconds should be enough, but do it for as long as you feel is necessary. For a deeper massage, place your hands across your chest and repeat the rolling movement.
Additionally, you can try dynamic stretches with resistance bands to improve mobility and release tightness in your neck and shoulders. Extend your arms in front of you, holding the resistance band towards the ends (bring your hands closer together for more tension). Start by performing a reverse fly, moving your hands out to the side of your body. Keep your elbows extended until the band touches your chest. Then, in a controlled way, return to the starting position. Complete 10-15 repetitions.
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Techniques for the head and neck extension
Neck extension is the anatomical term for the movement of tilting your head backward and looking upwards. This movement primarily engages the muscles at the back of the neck, specifically the upper trapezius and the splenius capitis. These muscles are crucial in maintaining the alignment and stability of the cervical spine, which is the uppermost part of the spine housed within the neck.
The neck acts as a conduit for the brain to communicate with the rest of the body, and any interruption in proper neck function can lead to a critical state. Therefore, it is essential to keep the neck healthy and mobile through specific neck extension exercises. These exercises can provide enhanced stability, posture correction, pain alleviation, increased blood flow, and stress reduction.
To perform neck extension exercises correctly, ensure that you are engaging in a fluid and swift movement that contributes to quicker reflexes and more precise movements. It is important to incorporate neck extension exercises into a comprehensive neck training routine, including frequency, recovery, and progression.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your neck, it is recommended to seek professional advice. Techniques such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, and pain management can help treat hyper-extension or pain in the neck.
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Therapeutic massage for anterior scalene muscles
The anterior scalene muscles are part of a larger group of deep cervical flexors, which are deep anterior muscles of the cervical spine. They fan out from the sides of the neck bones to attach to the ribs, just above the collarbone. The anterior scalene muscles are usually responsible for pulling the head from side to side, and they also aid in breathing by pulling up on the ribs.
Any dysfunction within the anterior scalene muscles can cause pain in the neck, head, shoulder, and arm. However, due to the potential for greater sensitivity in this nerve-rich region, many massage therapists avoid addressing these muscles. Erik Dalton, the creator of the Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT), has developed a clear method of therapeutic massage to address the anterior scalene muscles.
Dalton's Anterior Scalene Technique provides a roadmap for proper finger placement, allowing manual therapists to avoid sensitive nearby areas such as the nerve ridge and carotid artery. This technique teaches practitioners about the quality and direction of their touch, as well as the placement of the other hand, to create the right amount of head and neck extension. As they learn to push the anterior scalene muscles down and away, therapists can begin to feel for dysfunction, which usually occurs at C2, C6, or both sites simultaneously.
To learn Dalton's complete technique, practitioners can enrol in his continuing education training courses, including the 16-CE Technique Tour e-Learning course. This fully accredited online course demonstrates the correct approach to therapeutic massage for the anterior scalene muscles, providing safe and lasting results for clients.
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Erik Dalton's MAT training courses
Erik Dalton's Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT) is a unique and cutting-edge approach to massage therapy that combines advanced therapeutic strategies to relieve and correct patterns in the body that lead to pain and deterioration. MAT brings together the best of massage, deep tissue therapy, and osteopathic techniques like joint nerve mobilization and stretching.
MAT training courses are designed to teach manual therapists how to alleviate and eradicate pain, including pain associated with the anterior scalene muscles. These courses are offered as online e-learning programs and in-person workshops, providing students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and from the convenience of their homes. The online courses are video-based and include anatomical overlays and other visual aids, providing a personal one-on-one tutorial experience with Erik Dalton. Students also gain access to the Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques group, where they can interact with Erik Dalton, his trainers, and graduates to get their questions answered.
In certain MAT training courses, students have the opportunity to learn Dalton's Anterior Scalene Technique, which addresses pain in the arm, neck, shoulder, and related areas. This technique provides a clear method of therapeutic massage for the anterior scalene muscles, ensuring client comfort and avoiding sensitive nearby areas such as the nerve ridge and carotid artery. Dalton's technique includes guidance on finger placement, the quality and direction of touch, and the placement of the other hand to create the right amount of head and neck extension.
MAT training courses are suitable for massage therapists, physiotherapists, bodyworkers, and other manual therapists. The courses are approved for CE credits by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), and many state and international regulatory boards. By completing a MAT course, individuals can become highly effective therapists, setting themselves apart in the lucrative pain management field.
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Frequently asked questions
Scalene massage is a therapeutic massage targeting the scalene muscles in the neck and shoulder area. It can help alleviate pain and tension in the neck, head, shoulder, and arm.
You can perform a self-release technique using a massage or lacrosse ball. Gently compress the ball on the front and outer aspect of your neck, then rotate your head to the opposite side for a stretch.
The anterior scalene muscle is one of the scalene muscles located in the neck and shoulder region. It is a small and sensitive muscle group due to the nerve-rich area.
If you are experiencing pain or tension in your neck, head, shoulder, or arm, a scalene massage may be beneficial. Dysfunction in the scalene muscles can lead to discomfort in these areas.
