Head and Neck

Question 1

What are the muscles involved in head flexion?

Answer 1

1. Sternocleidomastoid
2. Anterior Scalene
3. Middle Scalene
4. Longus Colli
5. Longus Capitis

Question 2

How to stretch flexors?

Answer 2

1. Slowly extend the head while looking up
2. Keep mouth close

Question 3

How to strengthen head flexors?

Answer 3

Isometric flexion - press the forehead into both hands while not moving

Question 4

What are the muscles in head extension?

Answer 4

1. Upper Trapezius
2. Levator Scapulae
3. Sternocleidomastoid
4. Suboccipitals
5. Interspinales
6. Splenius Capitis & Cervicis
7. Transversospinalis Group
   - Semispinalis
   - Multifidus
   - Rotatores
8. Erector Spinae Group
   - Iliocostalis
   - Longissimus
   - Spinalis

Question 5

How to stretch extensors of the head?

Answer 5

1. Lower the chin towards the chest while looking down
2. Once the chin reaches the chest, the client may add gentle overpressure with one hand if more stretch is needed
3. Hold for 30s

Question 6

How to strengthen head extensors?

Answer 6

1. Resisted extension - client prone with arms at sides. Client lifts forehead off the table keeping the chin tucked and eyes down
2. Isometric extension - press the back of the head into both hands while resisting any movement

Question 7

What are the muscles involved in lateral flexion of the head and neck?

Answer 7

1. Upper trapezius
2. Sternocleidomastoid
3. All scalenes
4. Levator scapulae
5. Intertransversarii
6. Erector spinae group
7. Multifidus & rotatores
8. Longus colli & capitis
9. Splenius capitis & cervicis

Question 8

How to stretch lateral flexors of head and neck?

Answer 8

1. Slowly bend the head AWAY from the tight side (ear to shoulder)
2. Hold 30s

Question 9

How to strengthen lateral flexors?

Answer 9

1. Place a hand against the side of the head to be strengthened.
2. Press the head into hand while preventing movement

Question 10

What are the muscles involved in ipsilateral rotation of the head and neck?

Answer 10

1. Levator scapulae
2. Erector spinae group
3. Splenius capitis & cervicis
4. Obliquus capitis inferior
5. Rectus capitis posterior major

Question 11

How to stretch ipsilateral rotators?

Answer 11

1. Keeping the back straight and shoulders still, turn the head away from the tight side
2. Instruct the client to turn until full available ROM is achieved
3. Hold 30s

Question 12

How to strengthen ispilateral rotators?

Answer 12

Resisted ipsilateral rotation - place a hand against the temple on the side to be strengthened
Rotate the head into the hand, like shoulder checking without allowing movement

Question 13

What are the muscles involved in contralateral rotation of the head and neck?

Answer 13

1. Sternocleidomastoid
2. Upper trapezius
3. Anterior scalene
4. Transversospinalis Group
5. Longus colli

Question 14

How to stretch contralateral rotators?

Answer 14

1. Turn the head towards the tight side
2. Hold 30s

Question 14

How to stretch sternocleidomastoid?

Answer 14

1. Client laterally flexes head away form tight side.
2. Rotate head towards the tight side
3. Hold 30s

Question 15

How to strengthen contralateral rotators?

Answer 15

Resisted contralateral rotation - place a hand against the temple on the side opposite the side to be strengthened
Rotate the head into the hand, like shoulder checking