Get Relief from Tight Traps

common areas of muscle soreness in the Trapezius Muscle

The Trapezius Muscle is a broad triangular shaped muscle which attaches to the base of the skull, and lies at the back of the neck, over the upper shoulders and extends down your upper back to your mid back. It is one of the most likely muscles to get sore knots or trigger points.

It has several actions including:

• moves the shoulder blades towards the spine
• moves the shoulder blade up and down
• brings the head and neck back into extension
• rotates and side bends the head and neck
• assists in breathing

The muscle is divided up into three groups; the upper, middle and lower fibers and depending upon the action under taken, depends upon the flexibility of this muscle. 

On most people, the upper fibres of Trapezius present as tender, knotted up muscle. This muscle is the first to bother you when you are under stress, and you may feel the ache or burn from the base of your skull to between your shoulder blades.

Trapezius muscle pain, is classic stress pain. Your shoulders will ache, the base of your skull and neck will hurt. You may be aware of a pressure or pulling at the base of your skull. And there is often the presence of headaches. 

Most of these pain symptoms are related to postural imbalances of the body which may be caused by:

• head forward posture when driving, reading, using a computer etc
• holding a phone between your shoulder and your ear. It is much better to get a headset or use a hands free system
• carrying a heavy bag or backpack or baby/child
• sleeping on your back or stomach with your head turned to one side
• whip lash injury 

The good thing though is that Trapezius pain is very preventable and treatable with plenty of stretching, exercise and remedial massage treatments. I have helped many people with ongoing Trapezius pain find relief from associated headaches and shoulder tension through the application of deep tissue massage, pressure point work, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Everyone responds well to Trapezius massage.


Have a Stress Less Day!
Nicola