Trapezius muscle pain can be debilitating and can make it challenging to perform everyday activities. The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular-shaped muscle located in the upper back and shoulders, which helps support the neck, shoulder blades, and arms. If you experience discomfort or pain in this area due to strain or injury, there are several ways that you can help relieve your symptoms at home.
This article will discuss five relief methods for a pulled trapezius muscle: stretching exercises, foam rolling, massage therapy, heat packs/ice packs, and over-the-counter medications. By using these treatments together as part of an integrated approach to managing your condition, you may find some relief from your symptoms.
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Overview of Trapezius Muscle and Symptoms of Injury
The trapezius muscle, located in the upper back portion of the body, is a large and powerful stretch of muscle that works to move, rotate and stabilize the shoulder blades. The most effective way to maintain this muscle’s natural stability and strength is to engage in upper-body exercises regularly.
Unfortunately, sports injuries or overuse can strain or even tear this area. Common symptoms of such an injury include pain, especially when touching the affected area, tenderness/soreness when one moves their shoulder/neck, and knots that may form around the shoulder blades.
Anyone suspecting they have injured their trapezius muscle should take caution when engaging in physical activities; light stretches are usually advisable until the soreness has dissipated.
Stretching Exercises to Relieve Pain
Fortunately, stretching exercises can help to reduce pain and strengthen the muscle. Stretching should be done gently and slowly to avoid further injuring the area. Here are some stretches that may help with a pulled trapezius muscle:
Neck Stretches
Neck stretches are a great way to relieve tension that accumulates in the body over time. Stretching your neck can help improve postural balance and increase blood flow while decreasing the risk of developing further problems related to the tightness of the neck and shoulder muscles. As with any exercise, it is vital to practice proper form when doing neck exercises to prevent injury.
- To start, it is recommended that you begin with gentle flexion and extension movements of your head – slowly turning left and right, looking up and down, as if nodding your head yes and shaking your head no.
- By stretching out your neck five minutes a day, you will take an essential step towards greater health and well-being.
Shoulder Blade Squeezes
Shoulder blade squeezes effectively relieve tightness and tension in the shoulders, neck, and upper back. This simple exercise involves contracting your shoulder blades together by drawing them towards each other. This action activates all the muscles within the area – stretching them and helping to release tension, thereby creating a soothing sensation.
Additionally, this exercise can be done while sitting or standing, allowing it to be easily incorporated into any lifestyle or workout routine. Not only does this stretch provide immediate relief, but with continuous practice, it can become an essential part of a regular strengthening program for these muscle groups.
To get the most benefit from this movement, take slow, deep breaths while squeezing your shoulder blades together – hold each contraction for 10-20 seconds and relax afterward.
Chest Stretches
Chest stretches are an essential and beneficial part of keeping your body healthy and in good physical condition. Doing chest stretches regularly can reduce shoulder and neck tension and improve posture. It may also help increase flexibility, stamina, and range of motion in the chest area. In addition, if done correctly with control and proper form, it can improve performance in swimming or running.
Chest stretches involve arm circles, arms crossing behind the back, and stretching across the chest muscles. They should be done slowly to ensure proper muscle engagement during each stretch. Ultimately, chest stretches are an easy way to maintain overall body health without putting too much strain on the body.
Upper Back Stretches
Upper back stretches are beneficial for maintaining and improving the strength of the upper back muscles. They help reduce muscle tension while increasing flexibility and range of motion. Regular exercises can also improve posture, essential for avoiding long-term shoulder problems.
Upper back stretches involve reaching up with both arms as high as possible and holding that position for 10-20 seconds.
You can also do shoulder rolls forward and backward while reaching up to the sky with both hands. This helps to activate more muscles in the area and will give you a deeper stretch. Finally, it is important to remember to breathe deeply during these stretches, as this helps your body relax and get the most out of each exercise.
Scalene Stretches
Scalene stretching is a popular approach to help individuals become more flexible and stronger and improve their overall performance. This type of stretching targets the scalene muscles- located in the side and back of the neck- to help them relax and become more limber. This exercise helps reduce stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms while improving the range of motion and preventing injury during strenuous activities.
Additionally, scalene stretches can help improve posture as they promote muscle relaxation in the upper back area and provide benefits that carry into other exercises such as sports or other movement-based activities.
Foam Rolling for Trapezius Muscle Pain Relief
Foam rolling is a popular exercise therapy technique many individuals use to relieve musculoskeletal aches and pains, including pain in the trapezius muscle. This technique helps to alleviate muscle tension and stiffness by using a cylindrical foam roller as a massage tool to apply pressure to certain muscle groups or areas of discomfort.
The pressure from the foam roller allows for improved blood flow and circulation, reducing inflammation, while deep tissue massage helps to relax tense muscles and improve flexibility. Foam rolling is an accessible activity that anybody can do at home, with varying intensity levels depending on preferences and pain tolerance levels.
It’s always recommended to have a professional assess the diligence needed when it comes to foam rolling for trapezius muscle pain relief, as incorrect methods can result in further increased pain levels if not carefully executed.
Massage Therapy for Trapezius Muscle Discomfort
Massage therapy is an effective way to treat trapezius muscle discomfort. It provides relief from chronic pain and speeds up the recovery of strained or overworked muscles. In addition, massage manipulations help trigger certain healing processes in the body, helping to reduce damage around the joints and muscles.
Massage can also reduce stress levels and improve blood circulation, increasing oxygen and nutrient levels to help improve recovery time for trapezius-related issues. In addition, you can improve posture with massage due to increased flexibility, further reducing discomfort and improving overall muscular health.
Heat/Ice Packs as a Treatment Option
Heat or ice packs can be a quick and easy treatment option for trapezius muscle discomfort and tension. Although this pain relief is temporary, it can provide nearly instantaneous and lasting benefits. When used correctly, heat packs increase blood flow to the muscles, quickly relaxing them while reducing pain. In addition, ice packs work oppositely: they help reduce swelling while numbing nerve endings, providing targeted relief.
Both heat and ice packs are ideal self-care options for those with trapezius muscle discomfort; however, the use of heat or ice packs must be done prudently according to instructions. Improper application may worsen pain and irritate the affected area further.
Over-the-Counter Medications That May Help with Trapezius Muscle Pain Relief
Various products on the market are designed to help reduce pain associated with this particular muscle group. Many of these products contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as ibuprofen, that help to reduce inflammation and prevent further pain.
Some products are topical ointments or creams that work by numbing the sore area when applied and providing localized relief. Other medications, such as aspirin and acetaminophen, can help treat mild trapezius muscle pain.
It is important to speak to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs for pain relief to ensure no interactions with other medications you may be taking or conditions that could be aggravated. While over-the-counter medications are not a cure for trapezius muscle pain, they can provide temporary relief while other treatments are pursued.
Final Thoughts on Treating a Pulled Trapezius Muscle at Home
Treating a pulled trapezius muscle at home requires understanding the available methods and potential limitations. Foam rolling, massage therapy, and heat/ice packs can relieve symptoms associated with this common issue. Over-the-counter medications may also help provide temporary relief while other treatments are pursued.
It is advisable to seek professional medical advice before attempting any self-treatment for trapezius muscle discomfort. Through a thorough review of the symptoms and potential underlying causes, a physician can provide tailored guidance on the best course of action to address your specific needs.