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The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a muscle in the neck region that is responsible for rotating and flexing the head. It is a common cause of pain, especially due to prolonged use of technology, and is prone to injury in accidents or sports-related incidents. Massage therapy can be an effective way to treat this muscle and decrease muscle soreness and improve performance. Deep tissue techniques, such as Thai massage, can be used to treat trigger points and relieve tension in the SCM.
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Muscle Massage
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Location | Neck region |
| Muscle Function | Flexes and rotates the head, accessory muscle for inspiration |
| Muscle Heads | 2 (Sternal and Clavicular) |
| Attachment Sites | Sternum, Clavicle, Mastoid Process |
| Massage Techniques | Deep tissue, Thai, range of motion stretches, acupressure holds, ischemic compression |
| Massage Benefits | Release trigger points, improve muscle performance, reduce soreness |
| Precautions | Assess neck structures carefully, ensure tissue is warmed up for deep techniques |
| Client Position | Lying supine on the table, fully relaxed |
| Therapist Position | Standing or seated at the head of the table |
| Trigger Point Location | Mid to inferior region of the muscle belly of the sternal head |
| Common Issues | "Tech neck", injury from accidents/sports, whiplash, cramps, spasms |
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What You'll Learn
- Massage techniques: Deep tissue, Thai, acupressure, and range of motion stretches
- Trigger points: Release hyperirritable bands within the muscle belly
- Positioning: Client lies supine, relaxed, with warmed neck tissue
- Common issues: Tech neck, injury, whiplash, cramps, and spasms
- Effects: Reduces pain, improves flexibility, strength, and muscle performance
Massage techniques: Deep tissue, Thai, acupressure, and range of motion stretches
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a neck muscle that is generally tight in most people. It is involved in neck rotation, lateral flexion, and flexion. SCM muscles support the movement of the head in all directions and help maintain posture, stabilize the neck and head, and support breathing and chewing.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It helps to release chronic muscle tension or knots, and it can be effective for the SCM muscle. However, it is important not to press too deeply when massaging the SCM muscle, as there are other sensitive structures in the neck area.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is a traditional form of massage that originated in Thailand and typically involves the application of pressure and stretching of the body. Thai massage can be effective for treating the SCM muscle, and it often includes acupressure therapy and neck stretches. Thai acupressure focuses on specific points in the body, including the base of the skull between points H20 and H21, to treat and relax the SCM muscles and alleviate associated headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness, and pain or discomfort in the face, cheek, and jaw.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a therapeutic technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints. Thai acupressure, in particular, can be effective for the SCM muscle and is often included as part of a Thai massage routine.
Range of Motion Stretches
Before performing stretches, it is important to loosen up the SCM muscle with gentle massage. One stretch involves sitting in front of a table, tucking the chin in and down, placing the left fist on the left side of the chin, and resting the elbow on the table. The weight of the head should be on the fist, and then a tilt of the head to the left will produce a stretch. This stretch can be repeated on the other side.
It is important to listen to your body and not push into pain when performing these stretches.
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Trigger points: Release hyperirritable bands within the muscle belly
Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within the muscle belly that cause local and referred pain and reduce the flexibility, strength, and overall functionality of the muscle. They can occur due to injury or overuse. To release these trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the client should be asked to lie supine on the table, fully relaxed. The therapist should then locate the trigger point by palpating the muscle to feel for a taut band or a twitch response in the muscle belly. The common location of trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscle is in the mid to inferior region of the muscle belly of the sternal head.
Once the trigger point is located, the therapist can apply ischemic compression to the SCM by standing or seating at the head of the massage table. This technique involves applying firm pressure to the trigger point to release the tension and alleviate pain. The therapist should slowly increase the pressure on the trigger point and hold it for a few seconds before releasing. This process can be repeated several times until the trigger point is released.
Another technique that can be used is trigger point release therapy, which involves the therapist applying sustained pressure to the trigger point while simultaneously stretching the muscle. This helps to lengthen the muscle fibers and release the tension. The client can also be instructed to breathe deeply during this process to help relax the muscle and facilitate the release of the trigger point.
Additionally, manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release and active release techniques can be used to release the hyperirritable bands within the muscle belly. These techniques involve a combination of massage, stretching, and targeted movements to release the tension in the fascia and improve muscle function. It is important to note that the decision to treat trigger points by manual methods or by injection depends on the training and skill of the physician, as well as the nature of the trigger point itself. For acute trigger points, physical therapy and manual methods may be more effective, while for chronic trigger points, injection or dry needling may be considered.
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Positioning: Client lies supine, relaxed, with warmed neck tissue
To massage the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, the client should be positioned supine, with their head in a neutral position and their neck muscles fully relaxed. As the therapist, you will begin by standing at the head of the table, supporting the client's head and neck with both hands. Ensure that the neck tissue has been adequately warmed up before performing any deep techniques.
The SCM is a muscle in the neck region that runs obliquely along the side of the neck. This muscle flexes and rotates the head and acts as an accessory muscle for inspiration. The muscle has two heads: the sternal head and the clavicular head. Trigger points can occur in the SCM due to injury or overuse, causing local and referred pain and reducing the flexibility, strength, and overall functionality of the muscle.
To perform an ischemic compression of the SCM, the therapist should be standing or seated at the head of the massage table. The trigger points can then be located by palpating the muscle to feel for a taut band or a twitch response in the muscle belly. A common location of SCM trigger points is in the mid to inferior region of the muscle belly of the sternal head.
Once the trigger points have been located, the therapist can use the thumb-index finger technique to massage the SCM. Examine both parts of the muscle throughout their length for painful points by rolling them between your fingers. Massage each sensitive point approximately 5-10 times, depending on the client's pain tolerance. It is recommended to start the massage slowly and carefully, observing the client's reactions.
To stretch the SCM muscle, the therapist should slowly bring the client's head from the neutral position into a position of ipsilateral rotation, contralateral side flexion, and slight extension. This stretch should be performed gently and within the client's pain tolerance.
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Common issues: Tech neck, injury, whiplash, cramps, and spasms
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a large, superficial muscle in the neck region, which means it is just under the skin. It has a complex, multidirectional pattern of movement and is responsible for flexing and rotating the head. It also acts as an accessory muscle for inspiration. Due to its role in supporting the head, any issues affecting posture and head position can irritate the SCM.
Common issues:
- Tech neck: Spending a lot of time looking down at screens can cause neck pain and SCM issues.
- Injury: Trauma to the SCM can be caused by sudden head movements, blows to the head, or other types of trauma like whiplash.
- Whiplash: This is a specific type of neck trauma that can irritate the SCM.
- Cramps and spasms: These can be caused by trigger points in the SCM, which can develop due to injury or overuse. Trigger points are hyperirritable bands within the muscle belly and can cause local and referred pain, reducing the flexibility, strength, and functionality of the muscle.
If you are experiencing pain or issues with your SCM, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Some possible treatments for SCM issues include:
- Lifestyle changes: Addressing issues like poor posture or carrying heavy objects can help prevent further pain.
- Pain management: Rest, ice, heat, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce pain.
- Physical therapy: This can help improve neck and head strength and prevent chronic injuries.
- Chiropractic care: This is an alternative treatment that may help reduce pain.
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Effects: Reduces pain, improves flexibility, strength, and muscle performance
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a neck muscle that flexes and rotates the head. SCM massage can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and enhance muscle performance.
Reduces Pain
Massaging the SCM can help reduce pain from trigger points and muscle tension. Trigger points are hyperirritable bands within the muscle belly that can occur due to injury or overuse. They cause local and referred pain and reduce the flexibility and strength of the SCM. By locating and releasing these trigger points through massage, pain can be effectively reduced.
Improves Flexibility and Strength
SCM massage helps improve the flexibility and overall functionality of the SCM by reducing contractures and adhesions. It also aids in the functional realignment of scar tissue that has been treated with friction techniques.
Enhances Muscle Performance
Massage is a non-traditional method that can decrease delayed onset muscle soreness and improve overall muscle performance. When combined with stretching exercises, SCM massage can increase endurance and enhance cervical range of motion, making it a beneficial treatment for individuals with chronic neck pain.
In summary, SCM massage is an effective way to reduce pain, improve flexibility and strength, and enhance muscle performance. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic neck pain, as it can reduce disability and improve endurance and range of motion.
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Frequently asked questions
The SCM is a muscle in the neck region that runs obliquely along the side of the neck. It flexes and rotates the head and acts as an accessory muscle for inspiration. The SCM is often responsible for a crick in your neck when you've slept wrong.
First, ask your client to lie supine on the table, fully relaxed. Stand or sit at the head of the massage table. Then, locate the trigger point by palpating the muscle to feel for a taut band or a twitch response in the muscle belly. Finally, use specific techniques like Thai massage, which include range-of-motion stretches and acupressure holds.
Ensure that you carefully assess the structures in the neck region before performing any techniques. Also, make sure that the tissue has been adequately warmed up before performing any deep techniques. Some clients may experience dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness when this muscle is being massaged.
