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The trapezius muscle in a cadaver dissection

Trapezius Muscles

Integrated functional anatomy of the trapezius/trap muscles. Attachments, nerves, palpation, joint actions, arthrokinematics, fascia, triggerpoints, and behavior in postural dysfunction. Examples of common activation exercises, stretches, foam rolling, subsystems, and strength exercises for the trapezius/traps.

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Course Description: Trapezius Muscles

This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the trapezius muscles. The trapezius muscles are also known as the traps, trap muscles, shoulder blade muscles, upper back muscles, and/or are referred to individually as the upper trapezius (upper trap), middle trapezius (mid trap), and lower trapezius (lower trap). This muscle is the most superficial muscle of the upper back and is composed of more type I muscle fibers; however, the percentage of type I and type II muscle fibers are close to even. This muscle crosses the scapulothoracic joint, influencing motion of the sternoclavicular joint and acromioclavicular joint. The upper trapezius is an elevator, upward rotator, and anterior tipper of the scapula, the middle trapezius is a retractor and downward rotator of the scapula, and the lower trapezius is a depressor, upward rotator, and posterior tipper of the scapula. Additionally, the upper trapezius is innervated by the accessory nerve (along with the sternocleidomastoid) and plays an important role in stability and motion of the neck (cervical spine). This course also describes the role of the trapezius muscles in scapulothoracic arthrokinematics, fascial integration (thoracolumbar fascia), postural dysfunction, and subsystem integration. Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) must be aware of the trapezius muscles for the detailed analysis of human movement, and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing injury prevention and physical rehabilitation (e.g. neck pain, thoracic pain, AC and SC joint pain, trapezius muscle pain and trigger points, cervicogenic headache, thoracic outlet syndrome, accessory nerve dysfunction, trapezius muscle strain, scapular winging), synergistic function and motor control (e.g. trapezius muscle and rotator cuff muscle recruitment during arm elevation), and trapezius exercises and techniques for enhancing sports performance (e.g. upper body (arm) stability, strength, power, hypertrophy, etc.).

Pre-approved credits for:

Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:

This Course Includes:

  • AI Tutor
  • Text and Illustrations
  • Audio Voice-over
  • Research Review
  • Technique Videos
  • Practice Exam
  • Pre-approved Final Exam

Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for the Trapezius Muscles (see videos below):

The trapezius muscle in a cadaver dissection
Caption: The trapezius muscle in a cadaver dissection

Introduction to the Trapezius Muscles
3 Sub Sections

Trapezius Muscle Actions
1 Sub Section

Fascial Integration

Postural Dysfunction and the Trapezius Muscles

Exercises and Techniques for Trapezius Muscles:
7 Sub Sections

Bibliography

  1. Phillip Page, Clare Frank, Robert Lardner, Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach © 2010 Benchmark Physical Therapy, Inc., Clare C. Frank, and Robert Lardner
  2. Dr. Mike Clark & Scott Lucette, “NASM Essentials of Corrective Exercise Training” © 2011 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
  3. Donald A. Neumann, “Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations of Rehabilitation – 2nd Edition” © 2012 Mosby, Inc.
  4. Michael A. Clark, Scott C. Lucett, NASM Essentials of Personal Training: 4th Edition, © 2011 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
  5. Leon Chaitow, Muscle Energy Techniques: Third Edition, © Elsevier 2007
  6. Tom Myers, Anatomy Trains: Second Edition. © Elsevier Limited 2009
  7. Shirley A Sahrmann, Diagnoses and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes, © 2002 Mosby Inc.
  8. David G. Simons, Janet Travell, Lois S. Simons, Travell & Simmons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, The Trigger Point Manual, Volume 1. Upper Half of Body: Second Edition,© 1999 Williams and Wilkens
  9. Cynthia C. Norkin, D. Joyce White, Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry – Third Edition. © 2003 by F.A. Davis Company
  10. Cynthia C. Norkin, Pamela K. Levangie, Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis: Fifth Edition © 2011 F.A. Davis Company
  11. Florence Peterson Kendall, Elizabeth Kendall McCreary, Patricia Geise Provance, Mary McIntyre Rodgers, William Anthony Romani, Muscles: Testing and Function with Posture and Pain: Fifth Edition © 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
  12. Karel Lewit. Manipulative Therapy: Musuloskeletal Medicine © 2007 Elsevier
  13. Carolyn Richardson, Paul Hodges, Julie Hides. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbo Pelvic Stabilization – A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain: 2nd Edition (c) Elsevier Limited, 2004
  14. Andrew Biel, Trail Guide to the Human Body: 4th Edition, © 2010
  15. Scovazzo ML, Browne A, Pink M, et. al.: The Painful shoulder during freestyle swimming. Am J Sports Med 19(6):577-582, 1991
  16. Lawrence, R. L., Braman, J. P., Laprade, R. F., & Ludewig, P. M. (2014). Comparison of 3-dimensional shoulder complex kinematics in individuals with and without shoulder pain, part 1: sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and scapulothoracic joints. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy, 44(9), 636-A8.
  17. Dean, N.A. and B.S. Mitchell 2002. Anatomic relation between the nuchal ligament (ligamentum nuchae) and the spinal dura mater in the craniocervical region. Clin. Anat. 15:182-185.
  18. Lind CS, et al. (2015). Quantification of trapezius muscle innervation during neck dissections: cervical plexus versus the spinal accessory nerve. Annals of Otology, Rhinology, & Laryngology. 124(11): 881-885.
  19. Canella C, Demondion X, Abreu E, et al. (2013). Anatomical study of the spinal accessory nerve using ultrasonography. European Journal of Radiology. 82:56-61.
  20. Tubbs RS, Shoja MM, Loukas M, et al. (2011). Study of the cervical plexus innervation of the trapezius muscle. J. Neurosurg Spine. 14: 626-629.
  21. Choi W, Cynn H, Lee C, et al. Shrug exercises combined with shoulder abduction improve scapular upward rotator activity and scapular alignment in subjects with scapular downward rotation impairment. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 25: 363-370.
  22. Lindman, R., Eriksson, A., & Thornell, L. E. (1990). Fiber type composition of the human male trapezius muscle: Enzyme‐histochemical characteristics. American Journal of Anatomy189(3), 236-244.
  23. Lindman, R., Eriksson, A., & Thornell, L. E. (1990). Fiber type composition of the human female trapezius muscle: Enzyme‐histochemical characteristics. American Journal of Anatomy190(4), 385-392.

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