The Scalene Muscles Anatomy
The three scalene groups derive their name from the Greek word skalenos meaning “uneven.” Although anatomists depict the scalenes as individual muscles, most touch therapists are aware of how they work together as a functional unit during neck sidebending and rotation.
Considered accessory muscles of inspiration, the scalenes can elevate the first and second ribs and aid in neck flexion. It was once believed the scalenes were only active during heavy or forced breathing, but improved electromyography shows the scalenes firing even when the intake of breath is quite small. This has led some researchers to drop the accessory label and regard them as primary muscles of inspiration.
Electricians, painters, dancers, and competitive athletes such as swimmers and pitchers may develop anterior scalene syndrome due to excessive frictioning of cervical nerves as they traverse through fibrotic anterior and middle scalene tendons at the interscalene triangle.
Massage therapists, bodyworkers, and manual therapists learn an anterior scalene technique to reduce adhesions in the anterior scalene muscles. Follow the link in the bio to blog or visit erikdalton.com.
#massagescalenes #bodyworkscalenes #massagece #bodyworktools #erikdaltonblog #myoskeletalalignmenttechnique #anteriorscalenemassage #daltonmyoskeletal
