Levator scapulae stretch

Neck · Seated · about 50 seconds · Updated 25 September 2026

The levator scapulae stretch turns your head about 45° away from one side and looks down toward the armpit, while that side's hand anchors on the seat. It targets the back of the neck and the inner edge of the shoulder blade. Hold each side for about 20 seconds.

The Posture figure doing the levator scapulae stretch — The levator scapulae stretch as the Posture figure demonstrates it. The pink glow shows the area it works.

How to do the levator scapulae stretch

Anchor one hand under the seat.
Turn your head 45° away and look down toward your armpit.
Hold, then switch sides.

What it works

Back of the neck

How long and how often

In a Posture break it's a 20-second hold on each side, about 50 seconds in total. It's meant to be repeated through the day in short breaks rather than done once; doing it regularly matters more than the exact timing.

Tips

Feel it at the back of your neck
Let your hand's weight do the work

Who should skip it

Neck instability, recent whiplash, or dizziness when moving my neck

Move gently, in a comfortable range. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, tingling or dizziness.

Try it with the guided 3D figure →