Trigger point pain from Trapezius Trigger Point #One and how to find relief

STEP 1: How to Locate the Trapezius Trigger Point #One

The Trapezius are a pair of muscles on your upper back, hugging either side of your spine beginning at the level of your lowest rib and terminating near the shoulder. The muscle forms a “V”, rises up to your neck, and closes at the base of your skull. Together, both muscles form a diamond or trapezoid shape, giving the muscle its name.
Anatomically and functionally, Trapezius can be divided into three main parts: superior, middle, and inferior. The superior portion originates at the base of the skull, near the C7 vertebra, and travels down and out before attaching to the shoulder bone’s lateral plane. The middle portion beings at the C7, T1-3 vertebra, and travels horizontally, eventually inserting on a bony protuberance that is often considered a continuation of the spine of the scapula. You can feel for this spine by moving your hand along the shoulder; the bony extension you’ll feel is the spine of the scapula.The inferior portion of the Trapezius muscles originates along the T3 vertebra to the last thoracic vertebra, the T12, and eventually inserts over a tubercle on the spine of the scapula. Together these muscles are involved in many related movements: rotation, retraction, elevation, and depression. The superior and inferior fibres work together to help in upward rotation, while the superior fibres alone aid in elevation and the lateral flexion of the neck. When the scapulae are stabilised upon co-contraction of the muscles, the upper fibres cause an extension of the neck. Simultaneously, the muscle group’s middle fibres help in the depression of the scapula.

On the subject of localizing the trigger point, the Trapezius have about 6 TrP’s, two in each part. The first one is present in the superior Trapezius, which again runs from the back of the skull and attaches to the shoulder bone. It is located along the most vertical of the fibres at the midpoint between the base of the skull and the collar bone.

STEP 2: How to Self-Release the Trapezius Trigger Point # One

Self-releasing the Trapezius’ trigger point requires a ball and a sturdy wall. This muscle’s trigger point is close to the neck, near the top of your shoulder (as indicated in the previous video).
To stretch the Trapezius, place the ball over your trigger point and lean in until your hip is almost touching the wall. Using your thumb, catch the muscle and squeeze it against the ball. Hold for 30 seconds and release.