Platysma

The Platysma is a facial muscle.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the fascia of the upper pectoral and deltoid muscles and traverses along the side of the neck superiorly and medially.
• Insertion: Attaches to the mandible at the angle of the jaw and chin, and invaginates with the Depressor labii inferioris and Depressor anguli oris.

Action: Reduces sagging and loose skin of the neck with head flexion, assists in depressing mandible, and depresses lower lip posteriorly and inferiorly.

Synergist: Sternocleidomastoid.

Nerve Supply: Cervical branch of the facial nerve (Cranial nerve VII).

Vascular supply: Supra-sternal branch of the Suprascapular; also the submental branch of the facial artery.

• Primary: The prickling pain refers to the cheek and jaw area, and across the front of the chest.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Sternocleidomastoid, Scalene, and Masticatory muscle.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: There is a difficulty in chewing and swallowing.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Habitual frowning.

Differential Diagnosis: C2 radiculopathy, Bell’s Palsy, Herpes zoster, Ramsey Hunt’s Syndrome, Coronary Artery Disease, Myocardial Infarction, Anxiety reaction, Trigeminal neuralgia, Parkinson’s disease, Sjogren’s disease, TMJ Dysfunction, Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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