Tight trapezius

The trapezius is a large trapezoid-shaped muscle of our upper body, which spans from the occipital bone (base of the head) to the shoulder blades, and to the lower thoracic vertebrae, covering around half of our back. Its functions are related to controlling and stabilising the scapula and neck in conjunction with other muscles. The trapezius is anatomically divided into three components, the upper, middle and lower trapezius. The most visible upper part, shaped as a triangle, extends from the shoulders to the neck and head. This part of the trapezius is a common area of pain, stiffness, and tightness, which can last a few days or longer. The symptoms reported in this area are typically a consequence of an underlying condition rather than a pathology itself. Trapezius tightness may sometimes be correlated to a specific event, such as a motor vehicle accident, or more commonly when waking up after sleeping in an unusual position, however, it is multifactorial, and not always attributable to a particular cause. Several factors can lead to this symptom, such as poor posture, weakness, and a sedentary lifestyle, but also monotonous and highly repetitive jobs or activities that cause an excessive strain on the neck. For this reason, a holistic approach is paramount in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with trapezius tightness.

Management

Trapezius tightness typically resolves spontaneously, with symptoms subsiding within a few days. In case this condition was to last for longer periods, our advice is to seek medical attention. In Isokinetic, after being thoughtfully visited by one of our specialised doctors, you will be provided with a specific diagnosis and a recovery plan tailored to your needs. Conservative treatment is typically the first line of treatment, consisting of rehabilitation, education, and if needed pharmacological intervention (e.g.: medications, injections, etc.). Our facilities are highly adaptable to the patients’ needs with four different environments, the pool, the gym, the movement analysis and retraining room, and the pitch, available to support your recovery process. In the early stages, the main goal of the rehabilitation is to minimise your symptoms. Mobility recovery and muscle activation are typically progressed together with the optimisation of your posture. In the mid-stage of rehabilitation, neck and upper limb strength and stability recovery become the priority, together with the enhancement of your general movement quality to learn how to optimally coordinate neck and upper body movements. If suffering from this condition when playing sport, to complete the recovery process, on-field rehabilitation plays a fundamental role in allowing you to return to participate in your favourite activities, maximising your rehabilitation outcomes and reducing the likelihood of complications.

Tight trapezius

Management

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