4. Levator Scapulae

Origin: Posterior tubercles of transverse process of C1-C4

Insertion: Medial scapular angle

Action:

  1. Elevates the scapula
  2. Inferiorly rotates the scapula

Innervation: Dorsal Scapular nerve (C3-5)

Levator scapulae.
Figure 8.9 Levator scapulae, adapted by Uwe Gille from the original image by Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter (Public domain).

Needling

Position: Prone with arm behind back if possible

Palpation: Palpate the medial angle of the scapula – Can possibly pick up levator scapulae as well

Technique:

    1. Pick up the bulk of this muscle and needle in a cranial direction (similar to trapezius)
    2. Make a bracket of your fingers around the medial angle of the scapula

Caution: High – Lung field is right under this muscle

Needling levator scapulae 1. mid-belly 2. at insertion.
Figure 8.10 Needling levator scapulae 1. mid-belly 2. at insertion, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 8.4 Needling levator scapulae mid-belly, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 8.5 Needling levator scapulae origin, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

License

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Sinew Channel Needling Copyright © 2026 by Nadine Crocker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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