@fixingpain: The posterior scalene gets overlooked because it hides just anterior to the trap — but when it's tight, you'll feel it as deep neck stiffness, restricted rotation, or even upper rib dysfunction that mimics thoracic outlet symptoms. Running from the posterior tubercles of C4–C6 down to the outer border of the 2nd rib, this muscle elevates the rib on inhalation and side-bends the neck. When it shortens, it can lock down that rib, compress the brachial plexus pathway, and create that nagging tension that never quite resolves with trap work alone. In seated, I tilt the head back and toward the same side to slacken the tissue and drop the muscle forward — that's how I find it anterior to the trap. I pin it with my fingers, then have the client turn away, lean away, and look down. That combination of contralateral rotation, lateral flexion, and flexion fully lengthens the posterior scalene against the pin and creates a deep stretch right at the source. If your neck always feels "stuck" and trap releases aren't holding — this might be why. #massagetherapy #neckpain #scalene #pinandstretch #fyp

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Tuesday 19 May 2026 13:39:37 GMT