levator scapulae strengthening  

So great to hear that you are working at it... Feel better and however I can help 🙏🏻

Thank you for the question! I chose these very specific movements because they have been shown in the literature to activate the muscle. So shoulder shrugs activate the levator since it elevates the scapula during the movement. Along with the upper trapezius. This function of the muscles should be easiest to see during a shoulder shrug versus the other exercises. The other exercises have been shown with EMG studies to directly involve the levator scapula including rowing movements, extension with external rotation, and horizontal abduction. Since iti s a downward rotator of the shoulder blade, squeezing and tilting movements are involved which will activate the levator. This article gives a little synopsis but has some citations as well www.medbridge.com/blog/2015/09/best-exercises-serratus-anterior-levator-scapulae-rhomboids-part-2/ Basically exercises that are good for the upper trap and rhomboids will usually involve the levator scap to a degree. There are neck exercises that I didn't show here that would be good for contracting the muscle as well.

@@DudeWheresMyCardz I'm not sure what you mean by an elevated clavicle. Do you mean if there was an injury and one side versus the other to the shoulder girdle? At any rate, strengthening around the scapula and shoulder is always good including extension movements like this one in the beginning. I'm not too concerned whatsoever about shoulder height discrepancy one side versus the other because ultimately you want to strengthen around the shoulder whether it be pushing, overhead, and pulling movements against resistance. So I encourage people to shift the focus more towards that overall versus trying to correct a discrepancy because it will drive you crazy. Trust me on this. (Now I'm assuming this is what you were talking about if it's something else, let me know 👍🏻)

@@chirojohn75 long story short, had a shoulder issue for a decade, the most recent development is my SC joint is enlarged and a little higher up than the right side and often have pain around the area. Likely caused by repetitive motions with an already dysfunctional shoulder and side sleeping, I was starting to improve with rehab but then worked too hard one day at work, it's been aching ever since 😬. Appreciate the advice man, been getting very desperate the last couple weeks!

@@DudeWheresMyCardz thank you for the info. Keep working at it I know it takes time and it can be frustrating. The rehab that you are doing is no doubt helpful even if it's a slow process. Be well

@@chirojohn75 thanks man all the best

these are actually exercises that have shown to activate the lev scap as well (EMG studies). Anytime one works a scapular muscles including retraction exercises and pullbacks while also activate this muscle. So your statement is wrong. But I'm here to educate 👍🏻 Remember this muscle rotates the scapula downward so as noted actions involving retraction of the scapula are going to accomplish a contraction for this muscle. I like showing exercises that work multiple muscles at once and yes this will hit some rotator cuff as well.

@@chirojohn75 Oh dear xD how the fuck are you even lisenced???

​@@chirojohn75Agree with you my friend Because actually when i do this type of exercises i feel my levator scapulae and it becomr less tight

@@unknownguy7367 glad you are doing some of these and that they help you.👍🏻

I don't think it's possible to isolate the lev scap? These definitely work it though