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Specializing in helping you manage your chronic back pain and medical conditions through the power of massage therapy. Aaron Harris has been a Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist (CMT) (LMT) (CAMTC #44390) (MO #2021007923) and Health Educator since 2012 and has performed thousands of hours of massage. He attended the National Holistic Institute in Emeryville, California. He received National Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 2022. Aaron has previous experience in the healthcare industry, including several years as a paramedic in his home state of Missouri. He has extensive knowledge of kinesiology (the study of the mechanics of body movements), injury mechanisms, trauma assessments, anatomy, and physiology.

July 22, 2019
9:45 pm

The Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is the large muscle in your neck that you can see when you turn your head to the side. It is a common cause of pain due to “tech neck.” This muscle is also prone to injury in car accidents and sports-related mishaps.

This muscle is often responsible for a “crick” in your neck when you’ve “slept wrong.” It can also be injured in accidents and is often involved with whiplash. Occasionally, the SCM can cramp or spasm which is quite painful.

The SCM can work alone or in conjunction with the opposite side. Alone, the SCM rotates the face to the opposite side and lifts it towards the ceiling. When working in pairs, the SCMs flex the head and neck.

Common Trigger Points in the sternocleidomastoid. — Trigger points in the SCM (marked by Xs) and the areas of referred pain (blue areas).

There are common trigger points in the SCM that refer pain to the cheek, forehead, ear and along the orbital ridge. Pain can also be referred to the sternum.

These trigger points can cause postural dizziness as well as headaches.

Massage the SCM

Treatment of the Sternocleidomastoid is standard in nearly every massage modality including Sports Massage. Deep tissue techniques can treat trigger points. I usually use specific Thai techniques to work on the neck while you are lying on your back. These techniques include range of motion stretches and acupressure holds.

Stretch Your SCM

Two stretches good for targeting the SCM — These two stretches are particularly effective at relieving tension in your SCM.

Work on the sternocleidomastoid can be very relaxing. Some clients experience dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness when this muscle is being massaged.

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