The upper trapezius muscles are part of the shoulder muscle group. There are two trapezius muscles – a left and a right and they are symmetrical. The muscle is a wide, flat, superficial muscle that covers most of the upper back and the posterior of the neck. It is responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilising the shoulder blade and extending the head. It is very easy to overuse these muscles. Whether you are working at a desk, or working out in the gym, these muscles are often under stress. When stress builds up the muscles can become tight and it is one of the most likely muscles to get sore knots or “trigger points”. Symptoms of muscle strain may include stiffness, soreness, and aching and burning sensations. Pain may radiate from the shoulders through the upper back and neck. Here are just a few examples of causes of trapezius pain: - Stress - Holding a phone between your ear and shoulder - Carrying a heavy bag or backpack - Bending forward while working - Sleeping on your back or stomach with your head turned to one side Using Kinesio Taping we can try to inhibit the tension found in the upper trapezius, which will help to keep the shoulder blades in their natural position and alleviate tension on the neck and shoulder muscles. A trained Kinesio Taping therapist can assess your problem and provide advice on application. In general, most Grade I strains heal within a few weeks, whereas Grade II strains may take two to three months or longer. If you find that your shoulder issues do not improve within a few days, make sure you seek help from a therapist who can review and provide a treatment plan. You can also prevent trapezius muscles issues by exercising them. Exercise helps to relax the muscles and, most importantly, correct exercise will strengthen and support them - which in turn helps with good posture.
