levator scapula: from Ivo Waerlop on Vimeo.

From its proximal attachment to the upper 4 cervical transverse processes to its distal attachment to the superior medial border of the scapula, this muscle has multiple actions:

• elevating the scapula
• tipping the glenoid downward
• ipsilateral rotation of the cervical spine
• ipsilateral flexion of the cervical spine

It is often subject to trigger points due to its over recruitment from head forward posture, shoulder problems and scapulothoracic motion pathologies. Dr Ivo demonstrates a few techniques for needling this often problematic and often overlooked muscle. 

Pavkovich R. THE USE OF DRY NEEDLING FOR A SUBJECT WITH ACUTE ONSET OF NECK PAIN: A CASE REPORT. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2015;10(1):104-113. link to free full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325294/

 Clewley D1, Flynn TW, Koppenhaver S  Trigger point dry needling as an adjunct treatment for a patient with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Feb;44(2):92-101. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2014.4915. Epub