SCM Release

Equipment Needed: 

  • Open floor or chair

 

Instructions: 

  1. Turn your head to the right
  2. Using the pads of your right index and middle fingers find your left collar bone right where it meets the sternum
  3. Moving superior find the SCM muscle. It is a ropey band coming straight off your collar bone 
  4. Follow the muscle up until it ends just behind your ear
  5. Place your 2 fingers flat on top of the muscle with a slight gap between the fingers
  6. Apply light pressure and glide the fingers down the muscles slightly
  7. Rotate your head back to neutral, then look up as far as you can go
  8. When you can no longer tilt your head back lean your head to the right. You should feel a stretch in your neck under your fingers
  9. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions and switch sides

 

Common Errors:  

  • The carotid artery is close to this area. Massaging it can cause light-headedness or even fainting. DO NOT MASSAGE A PULSE
  • This area also contains a lot of nerves. Manipulating them is not advised. If you feel pain or otherwise feel sketchy feel free to skip this exercise

 

Progressions / Regressions:

If this is too challenging:

  • N/A

If you want more of a challenge:

  • N/A