Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2025

46 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

the posterior surface of ribs 6–12, the posterior surface of ribs 1–6 and the transverse processes of the lower cervical vertebrae. The longissimus muscle lies in the center of the erector spinae group. Similar to the iliocostalis, it also has three sections: longissimus thoracis, located in the mid-back region; longissimus cervicis, located in the upper back and neck region; and longissimus capitis, located in the neck region. The longissimus muscles contribute to extension and lateral flexion of the spine. The origin of this muscle is on the thoracolumbar aponeurosis and transverse processes of the upper five thoracic vertebrae. The insertion is on the lower nine ribs, the transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae, the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The spinalis muscle is the most medial muscle of the erector spinae group, while also being the shortest and the deepest of the three. Like the other muscles in the erector spinae group, it also has three sections: spinalis thoracis, located in the mid-back region; spinalis cervicis, located in the upper back and neck region; and spinalis capitis, located in the neck region. The spinalis muscles primarily contribute to extension and help maintain proper alignment of the spine. The origin of this muscle is on the spinous processes of the upper lumbar and lower thoracic vertebrae, the ligamentum nuchae and the spinous process of C7. The insertion is on the spinous processes of the upper thoracic and cervical vertebrae, with the exception of C1. Functionally, the erector spinae muscles play a crucial role in maintaining upright posture, extending and stabilizing the spine, and controlling spinal movements, such as bending backward, bending sideways and rotating the trunk. They work in coordination with other muscles of the core and back to provide stability and support during various activities and movements. 17 Multifidi and Rotatores Muscles The multifidi and rotatores are two groups of deep muscles located in the back. These

two muscle groups are deep to the erector spinae group. While they are separate muscle groups, they do work together to provide stability, support and controlled movement of the spine. The multifidi muscles run along the length of the spine and extend from the transverse processes of one vertebra to the spinous processes of the vertebrae above. The multifidi muscles are divided into several sections, each one connecting to adjacent vertebrae. They play a significant role in spinal stabilization, posture control, and controlled movement of the spine. The rotatores muscles are a group of small muscles that are deep to the multifidi. They are also divided into several sections, with each section connecting adjacent vertebrae. The rotatores muscles assist in rotation and stabilization of the spine and work together with the multifidi muscles to provide segmental control and fine-tuned movement of the individual vertebrae. Both the multifidi and rotatores muscles are involved in maintaining the stability and proper alignment of the spine, as well as providing controlled movement and support during activities such as bending, twisting and maintaining posture. Both also contribute to the dynamic stability of the spine, especially in maintaining neutral alignment during functional movements. 18 Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a major muscle in the anterior neck that plays a critical role in neck and head movements. The name of this muscle comes from its attachments at the sternum, clavicle and mastoid process of the temporal bone. When contracting unilaterally, the SCM will rotate the head and neck to the opposite side and laterally flex to the same side. With bilateral contraction, this muscle will flex the neck and extend the head. The SCM muscle can also act as an accessory muscle of inspiration. The origin of the SCM is on the manubrium of the sternum and the medial

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