Upper Trap/Levator SMR (Ball)
additional smr Upper trapezius, levator scapulae
Ball release for upper trap and levator scapulae. Useful for chronic neck tension and FHP.
Execution
- Stand against a wall with a ball on the upper trap
- Lean into the wall to apply pressure
- Move the ball toward the neck for levator
- Hold 60-90 seconds on tender points
- Optional: slowly raise/lower the arm
Cues
- Moderate pressure, not excessive
- Relax the working-side shoulder
- Slow breathing
Common Errors
- Too much pressure on the neck
- Shoulder tension
- Ball too close to the cervical spine
Progressions
- Static -> Add arm motion -> Add cervical rotation
Related Patterns
- cervical rotation restriction