Strengthen your sternocleidomastoid for head rotation | The MSK Physio

[@JerrolGW2]

What would you recommend if you have an imbalance w/ your SM? Doing one or two more sets on the weaker side or do the same amount of sets on both? I have pain in the front of my right SM near my clavicle really bothers me when I look all the way up to the sky

[@theMSKphysio]

For an imbalance, train the weaker side first and in general don't go past what the weaker side can do. The majority of these SCM exercises are for the mastoid attachment at the skull. If you're getting sternoclavicular discomfort look into the thoracic extension exercises. The recent one with the medicine ball might be useful for you :).

[@bipolarbear27]

Thank you so so so much for this exercise! I have been dealing with major SCM issues that gave me lots of componets of occipital neuralgia. It took forever for me to reduce lots of the tightness compresing my nerves and NOW I can finally work on strengthening my SCM to really support my head. This exercise felt exactly like you described and I could feel my SCM doing work but not too much. I feel so much more confidence now with being able to finally fix my stupid ass SCM!

[@J1283-s1k]

Absolutely fantastic how you emphasize not rotating the entire way. I was rotating way too much and, like you say, activating other muscles, which I couldn't understand why. Now I tried a half rotation like you instruct and immediately I highlighted the SCM so much better. Just brilliant, a small but vital detail.

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

"Thank you for sharing such valuable insights! Your videos always inspire and educate me. I appreciate your dedication to creating content that makes a difference. Looking forward to your next upload!"

[@theMSKphysio]

Thank you for the feedback! Glad to hear you find value in the content.

[@wildriverbass]

Great demo - thanks!

[@ahmedmahmoud-dm9pt]

Thank you man this exercise is a wonder

[@SycAamore]

Good explanation! I wanted to ask you, will strengthening these muscles help to deepen my voice?

[@theMSKphysio]

I have no idea! Interesting question.

[@simounibarra1514]

Will this exercise alleviate trigger points in the SCM?

[@theMSKphysio]

It has the potential to, yes.

[@user-nc1mk3wz7q]

Is there a reason why neck doesnt crack ? Would like to hear from ya thanks

[@theMSKphysio]

Cavitations typically happen at the end range of a joint. You may not be going to the end range of your joint. It is a release of 'gas' bubbles. Manipulations can provide short term relief from symptoms and transient increases in range. You don't need a cavitation to have this effect from manipulations though.

[@user-nc1mk3wz7q]

@@theMSKphysio thanks for the response 👍🏻

[@silenceklareece]

Thank you so much have been in so much discomfort not being able to turn head freely both sides and did some of yours and it’s better

[@michaellawlor5625]

Will this help the pulling feeling under my chin?

[@theMSKphysio]

Depends on if that feeling is related to this muscle group. If so, then likely, yes. You can also try the deep neck flexors here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4PCeqeBe999g68

[@michaellawlor5625]

@@theMSKphysio Many thanks.

[@jamietherooster]

i've broken my collar bone twice on the right side. The scm muscle there feels like perhaps it did not form properly. Is this something you have seen in any of your clients?

[@theMSKphysio]

I have seen many collar bone fractures that have healed, not exactly as they were before. This isn't typically a bad thing. Deformity of a muscle can come from disuse or nerve damage, to name a couple. Nerve damage for the SCM wouldn't happen from a collarbone fracture. It's motor innervation comes from the upper neck/cranial nerves. What I do tend to see after fractures, particularly long term, is disuse. Muscles that attach to the fractured area haven't been rehabbed fully. For the collar bone, we need to consider the SCM, pec major, upper traps, anterior deltoid, etc. A unilateral SCM exercise might be useful for you here to reveal a difference - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWbQmoGOpLx8mNE

[@jamietherooster]

@@theMSKphysio thanks, your videos are great. Very similar to "Msk neurology" guy

[@Maridnem]

I only feel my left muscle working, no matter what side I turn to. Any tips to activate the right side?

[@theMSKphysio]

Good question! Feeling the muscle isn't necessary for it activate. This isn't an uncommon experience. You can have confidence if that you are doing the movement that the muscle is activating. With practice and time, you'll start to feel the muscle.

[@iremaskin7514]

There is thickening and hardening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, this is very obvious and my neck looks crooked

[@alicetetaud7436]

My neck has become so weak and sore that it's super hard to lift my head off the ground. Can I start somewhere between lying and sitting to lessen the weight of my head ?

[@theMSKphysio]

Hi there. Thanks for the question! You definitely can. There are more videos on the channel which work through various low intensity isometrics to help load a sensitised neck! Here is an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m56bc5JjmM-jY5Y AND kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKulo6draKyIha8

[@alicetetaud7436]

@@theMSKphysio Thank you! I'll check those out!

[@aliissa1273]

Good information, but talks a lot

[@theMSKphysio]

Thanks for the feedback!