Freeing the Breath in the Neck and the Shoulders Part 1: The Clavicles Live Online with Michael Watson

Individual early bird price for Part 1, $99 USD until December 17 / $175 USD thereafter

Or purchase as a bundle here with Part 2 for $200 USD until December 17 / $275 USD thereafter

Following the very well received male pelvis, knees and other webinars with Anatomy Trains senior teacher Michael Watson, we will be working with in clinic models to explore how to assess, strategize, and treat clients to best liberate the breath by creating freedom in the neck and shoulders.

When breathing, the muscles in the neck and shoulders that primarily assist with inhalation are the scalene muscles and the sternocleidomastoid muscles; these are considered accessory muscles of respiration, meaning they only engage during deep breaths or when the primary breathing muscle (diaphragm) is not sufficient to draw in air, causing a noticeable tension in the neck and shoulders when activated.

Key points about neck and shoulder muscles involved in breathing:

• Scalene muscles:
  Located on the side of the neck, these muscles elevate the first two ribs when contracting, which helps to expand the chest cavity and facilitate inhalation.
• Sternocleidomastoid
• This large neck muscle originates from the sternum and clavicle, and when contracted, it can help raise the sternum and assist in deep breaths.
• How improper breathing affects the neck and shoulders:
• Shallow breathing:
• When someone habitually takes shallow breaths, they tend to engage the neck and shoulder muscles excessively, leading to tension and discomfort in these areas.

Muscle strain:

• Overuse of the scalenes and sternocleidomastoid due to poor breathing patterns can result in muscle strain and pain in the neck and shoulders.
• Other relevant points:
• Trapezius muscle:
• While not primarily involved in breathing, the upper fibers of the trapezius muscle can contribute to shallow breathing patterns if overly activated.

Importance of diaphragmatic breathing:

• Proper breathing technique involves engaging the diaphragm as the primary muscle for inhalation, which minimizes strain on the neck and shoulders.

This course will be provided over Zoom webinar with multiple camera views, live chat and Q&A

 

Recordings will be provided via password protected streaming access for 45 days.

Course schedule:

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Module 1: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Module 2: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

About Michael Watson

Michael Watson’s journey of self-discovery has led him around the world, teaching and sharing his passion for anatomy and alternative modalities of exercise and therapy.

Beyond yoga, Pilates and Anatomy Trains teaching certifications, Michael leads advanced training programs, retreats and clinics worldwide. He has worked with athletes with disabilities at the Paralympic level of training and continues to develop ideas that bring an integrated approach to health, movement and wellness. As a certified teacher of Yoga, Pilates, functional anatomy and with a degree in Sports science, Michael brings an in depth awareness to his clients based on a strong understanding of anatomy, the body and its function.

A proud father of 3 home birthed children, Michael is also a natural birth advocate and works progressively in his home base of Bermuda alongside his wife in bringing awareness to birth and reforming birth options for women.