TRAPEZIUS

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Created by-Kaustubh thakar [71]

 Trapezius is a broad , flat, superficial muscle extending from cervical to thoracic region
on the posterior aspect of the neck and trunk. The muscle is divided into three parts:
descending [superior],ascending[inferior]and middle.

 The muscle contributes to the scapulohumeral rhythm through attachments on the

clavicle and scapula, and to head balance through muscular control of the cervical
spine.
Origin.
o The muscle attaches to the medial third of superior nuchal line;external occipital
protuberance,nuchal ligament, and spinous processes of C7-T12 vertebrae.

Insertion.
o The muscle is inserted on lateral third of clavicle, acromion and spine of scapula.

Nerve supply.
o Spinal root of accessory nerve [CN 11] {motor}
o Cervical nerves [ c3 and c4 ] {pain and proprioception}

Blood supply.
o Transverse cervical artery [cervicodorsal trunk]
 FUNCTION
The superficial muscle of the back contributes to the extention and side flexion of the axial
skeleton.
The cervical extensor muscles[descending trapezius and cervical erector
spinae]counterbalance the pull of gravity on the head,as the head to be pulled into flexion due
to its anterior centre of gravity.

 ACTION
• Dscending part :elevates pectoral girdle.
• Middle part: retracts scapula.
• Ascending part : depressed shoulders.
• Descending and ascending together: rotates scapula upwards.
• Bilateral contraction: extends neck.
• Unilateral contraction.
• Ipsilateral side flexion of neck.
• Middle part: assist with ipsilateral side flexion and contralateral axial rotation of upper
thoracic region.
Functional contribution.
The trapezius muscle is a postural and active movement of muscle, used to till and turn the
he/d and neck, shrug,steady the shoulders,and twist the arms. The trapezius elevates,
depresses,rotates and retracts the scapula or shoulder blade.

Trigger point referral pattern.

 palpation

• Superficial , can palpate upper , middle and lower.

• Upper is frequently involved in neck injuries.
• Hold the slopping superior lateral portion between fingers and thumb and palpate from
origin toward the clavicle/acromion and its insertion .
• With patient stsnding abduct shoulders to 90 degree and retract shoulder girdle.
• Slightly bend the trunk forward so antigravity.
• Upper can also be seen without elevation and lower with depression.
 Treatment

 Stretching.
Sit upright in a chair and make sure that your posture is correctThese stretches can be
done in repetitions of 15-20every hour to decrease trapezius muscle pain.Begin by rolling the
shoulders back so that the shoulder blades feel like they are being pinched together.Then
raise your shoulder up towards the ceiling and lower them down gently.You can then bend
your neck from side to side by tilting your head towards your shoulder and counting to 3
Then repeat in each direction.

 Massage.
Pain in the shoulder and neck can be prevented or reduced with massage. It is possible to
reduce trapezius muscle pain through self massage . Reach back with your one hand and
find your trapezius muscle. Beginning at the base of neck,try to knead to the trapezius
muscles.

 Pressure.
You can also apply some pressure to that areaalong your shoulders and between the
shoulder blades.if there is an area that is more tender, apply pressure for 10 sec and release
so that the muscled can relax..