This video helped out with my pain so much . Will do these and check back in and let you know how it goes . Haven’t been able to exercise over 2 months from this injury .
The levator scapula function is to elevate the scapula towards the neck so how is this type of shrugs activating tbe scapula? Also how are the 3 other exercises which involve no function of the levator scapula are for strengthening it?
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.
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.
