Massage Tutorial: the Trapezius (deep tissue, anatomy review)

[@happydandonday]

i just wanted you to know that even as someone who has never been to school for massage therapy and has no plans to, this video is absolutely invaluable to me. it taught me SO much about how my own body works and has helped me improve my posture and be more precise when i describe my pain to my therapist. i rewatch it at least twice a year and every time i learn something new. thank you so much for your professional but non-intimidating videos!!

[@tenacioustan2386]

I'm here so I can give a deep tissue massage to my girl, i hope i can relieve her pain with the amazing tips you gave here. she doesnt deserve to suffer, and i dont want her to spend money every time her back hurts. i hope i can relieve her tension. she already does everything for me and i wanna pull my weight for her.

[@ASMR-sg9jh]

LOVE the anatomy review. I'm not long out of my massage course and although there was a big section on A&P seeing someone point out the actual muscle on a real live person is so much more valuable than just seeing pictures in a book. Thanks for adding it to you videos :)

[@HeadtoToeMuscleClinicGreenwich]

This is one of the best massage videos on KZbin I've seen in a long time. Very professional, clean, crisp, as well as informative. You are a credit to the profession. I am looking forward to more videos. I hope everything goes well for you!

[@MassageSloth]

Head to Toe Muscle Clinic Much appreciated!

[@Teqo7]

+Massage Sloth I'm a foreigner (a Finn) and I find your teaching VERY good! I love how you explain everything so short but still long enough for me to understand it. You don't stick to anything irrelevant or unimportant. When I had watched one minute of this video I was already feeling like you are the best teacher ever! I wish all the best for you and I know for sure that you will go far in life!

[@georgematthews9229]

+Head to Toe Muscle Clinic I think he talks too much. I think he should do less talking and more massaging.

[@MamadNobari]

Simp

[@john-bv9wc]

This is true i try to learn but many videos doesn't actually show good strokes just super basic this is good

[@rebeccae7688]

I love your "philosophy" on knots. I'm a year and a half into my career and have found myself very frustrated with people who just want you to find the knot and "kill it".... >.

[@MassageSloth]

Bex C Great to hear! You've pretty much outlined my two main goals: Remind people of stuff they learned in massage school, and gently guide them away from "digging" styles of massage. Thanks for the kind words!

[@kingdomcome1617]

People forget the body is a closed system... everything is connected to everything else. I wish you well in your career! Once you get settled with finances and have an opportunity, I would suggest learning another skill that doesn't require such strain on your joints/muscles (especially on the hands/wrist). Just in case something happens, a backup plan is always a good idea!

[@kingdomcome1617]

Just noticed this is a 6yr old video and comment lol. Wish you the best anyways.

[@danielvafaie8300]

from an osteo student's point of view, you're a supper legend. please keep up the good work...

[@monicavincent347]

Ian does a great job with his video's. His is clear and explains anatomy, function and technique very well. Really the best I've seen on KZbin!

[@nillyboymotley5111]

He just described where all of my pain is. I love this video...

[@gerardolara4477]

I've been recently watching your videos because they're very educational but yet, soothing. The calmness in your voice,sir

[@daughteroftheking2344]

You are a wealth of knowledge! As a new therapist, I really appreciate your anatomy overviews and detailed description of massage techniques. Thank you! You’re a Godsend 💖

[@UniqueMasterpiece927]

My massage hero! You are THE best.

[@erinross406]

I have had upper back pain, moving into my neck for years. I had a thermogram that pinpointed my inflammation to my traps. As a massage therapy student, I’m excited to be able to practice these techniques, and be practiced on. Thank you Ian.

[@carolinasoulshine8949]

You are like no other. Always referring back to you videos. Thank you so much. U are so grateful appreciated merely for existing. Big hug, FSM brethren.

[@adrianavilla3590]

SPOT ON!!!! Absolute best, most educational, professional massage video I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge. I have serious Myofascial Pain from years of Surfing and several injuries. This video thoroughly demonstrates what, why and how for every single nagging and aching pain, many of us have. It should be a prerequisite for all massage therapists!

[@marienelson.]

This is the most relaxing thing I’ve ever watched.

[@katetaylor2042]

As a beginner student of massage, I have found this really helpful, thank you. The techniques you show here feel intuitive (i.e. letting the muscle show your hands what to do). I enjoy your thorough teaching method (now I just need to figure out a way to remember all the lovely details when I'm with a client :-) ).

[@kirstiebarrowman6472]

just wanted too thank you from scotland ! i find your videos very informative not only on technique but also on the anatomy of the body ... you help me too become a better therapist ... keep them coming please

[@hattiea529]

I find your videos so helpful. I've applied most of them in my practice and they work. Thank you!

[@mandi221980ify]

Love this one! Any time I have a client that I know has an "issue" I scroll through and watch several of you videos at one time. And I am so glad I am not the only one that doesn't like to "dig" in. My personal philosophy is that if you tense up against what I am doing we are being counterproductive. And as for the low table, that is actually how we were taught in school. Thank you for you dedication to keeping us informed and giving us new ideas and things to try..p.s. my boss bought me a hydraulic table, and most of the time, I don't use it for anything other than putting sheets on. ;0

[@MassageSloth]

+Amanda Christian So glad that you've found the videos helpful, Amanda! We're definitely on the same page when it comes to working with the body. And hey, I bet that hydraulic table makes changing the sheets super easy :) Worth every penny!

[@RiriLove88]

This relaxed me so much just watching it. I was in a car accident years ago that left me with a really bad whip lash. Years later it turned into scoliosis and muscle spasms. I was about 18 when it happened and had no clue that whiplash can worsen over the years. So I’ve been dealing with chronic back pain and headaches since then. Its mostly the trapezius muscle that hurts. No one ever seems to understand. Massages never do anything for me unless it with a masseuse who really knows what they’re doing. I’ve been told to see a chiropractor but I heard that can sometimes make it worse. I may need to see a physiotherapist. Had I known that a whiplash could cause this much damage then I would’ve at least made sure I got paid every dime from that car accident but my friend at the time lied to make it seem as if she was hit so she could get paid and I got nothing but that’s another story. Anyway great video.

[@angelicaharwell3062]

The depth of information & your elegant technique is unreal. I find myself saving all your videos..& as Ive mentioned on other videos, I am strictly interested in performing Equine massage! Yet you are my favourite instructor! Thank you thank you🦄🌿

[@stephanielemaire1366]

I have been using The Harvey Maneuver. Love it! Clients love it. Thanks for this video. I do a lot of neck and upper trap work.....so many folks with poor posture.

[@ehetleos]

For some reason, your teaching reminds me a great lot of Tom Myers' method of letting knowledge pass forward to new therapists. Very informative video, keep it up! Thank you!

[@TaushaTW]

Heather is lucky. My back hurts where the spine is. I have a painful lump between the shoulder blade and spine. I was told it was muscles spasm. I think I will visit a massage therapist for help. Thank you for this video!

[@TaushaTW]

Turns out I had a lipoma that infiltrated the erectus spina. I had surgery and physical therapy.

[@craffte]

WOW great amount of info in the first three or four minutes.First off, I had no idea it extended all the way up and down. Thank you for this video.

[@claysmith4909]

Yes an excellent demonstration presentation of trapius muscle issues

[@robind8691]

this is excellent, i have so much pain there, am currently getting myofascial release at PT and it helps alot. this massage would be perfect in addition. thank you for an excellent tutorial.

[@adeliachamberlain7367]

Thank you massage Sloth , I have learnt a lot from your videos , you given me a new insight in trapezius , I shall put in practice what have taught

[@elisainki]

Great video, thank you so much!

[@Ihavemyownopinion4]

As a student of massage thank you for your help ❤❤❤

[@africansnow]

Ok I must say that though I am a recent grad, I honestly watched this video a second time JUST to learn new words haha. I am officially adding "palpable" to my everyday vocabulary ahaha and yes, I definitely googled what PALPABLE means - also learned a lot about massage therapy which is a hobby of mine so thank you for that as well lol! Cheers

[@Abiamejia888]

You are. Amazing. I just sense it. I feel this massage and the anatomy review like said often, is very much loved.

[@massageworx8975]

watching this video had a phenomenal effect on the treatment that i just finished thank you for this vid. i have to say that i really enjoy the way you work its inspiring !

[@MassageSloth]

Great to hear, I appreciate the kind feedback!

[@LauraNicoleLMT]

The squeeziest of muscles! LOL You crack me up while I'm learning :) Love it!

[@whengandree5371]

Very informative, step by step techniques, I've learned a lot ,thanks massage sloth..

[@LaidBack4Twenty]

Thank you so much for this video... very informative and helpful techniques...by far the best massage video I've seen in a long while...

[@lauriejordan2716]

I need this massage more than anyone could imagine.

[@ellyp9123]

Absolutely LOVE this video, Ian. Thank you!

[@pippatreloar1]

i really love the muscle specific anatomy tutorials. So helpful! I sometimes get a bit lost during a routine trying to work the back as a whole, i feel like i neglect individual muscles.

[@julia713]

Thank you so much for sharing these videos! Honestly, if you had a video series, I would buy it. Your work is so easy to follow, especially talking about the muscles as you work them. I am learning more from you than at school! :-)

[@h5y]

Just finished the video... Gosh darn what a great video!

[@MassageSloth]

h5y Awesome! I was afraid I rambled too much :)

[@fazeelalaher6250]

@@MassageSloth What makes you think that Your explanation is important n invaluable Thank you Been following you for years Seeing the palpable of muscles in a real body makes it so easy

[@victorbedolla1375]

Fantastic work as always!

[@SoCalDean]

Thank you! Very informative and easy to follow. Good teacher!

[@talofek2976]

love your teaching !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you are so informative

[@dewii4554]

I Love This Video Very Educational And Inspiring

[@eneidalebron5122]

You are an amazing excellent instructor ❤😮.

[@carrollclark8505]

Went to massage school in two.thousand ten completed shooting got overwhelmed in my studies trying to meet.all.the.reqirements of being able to.have a career thank you for.your.instruction

[@lauramerchlinsky]

Incredible. Your lesson is helpful. You’ve shown me where my pain is and the how and why.

[@valerietynes7912]

Love this video. It helped me pen point my neck pain.

[@PhireMuziq]

Ur the best. So helpful

[@chicagomike]

I do massage for friends not a licensed therapist. I love it. What table is good. Most are guys. Any recommendations. Something mobile. Thanks.

[@candicane3985]

This really makes me want a massage! Great tips. Thank you for everything this video provides!

[@banjopaulable]

Thank you so much. I'm just starting out and your message is both grounding and inspiring. Thank you!

[@funsized924]

This video makes me realize I desperately need to find a new massage therapist

[@billanthony8230]

Great videos man, keep it up Thanks for all the new techniques. :)

[@maevekelly4540]

Do you know any massage therapists in rochester,ny that do massage as you do. I have never had a massage done like your videos.

[@AmberAlohaTouchMassage]

Enjoying your patient method of instruction. Very calming voice and I don't think your face is dumb :) Really enjoy your vids. Keep up the awesome work. Mahalo!~Amber

[@MassageSloth]

Amber AlohaTouchMassage Haha, thanks very much. :-)

[@eric18993]

You're the best. Great video

[@NattyWerewolf]

I just used a lacrosse ball and rolled on it and the wall. Amazing feeling.

[@caroldurand6803]

That looks amazing!

[@premonitions1390]

a wonderful teaching video! thanks so much!

[@Deerector]

Great vid Harv! Keep them coming. By the way, I have lowered my table like we spoke about and have been working like this for about 6-7 months. I do like it better. There are a few techniques i like it higher for but until I get a hydraulic table (never) im keeping it low 😉

[@MassageSloth]

Deerector That's totally rad! Let me know how that evolves over time, and if you come up with any adaptations that are good for your body. And I hear you about that hydraulic table thing :) One day.

[@AceBoone05]

Really great video & very knowledgeable 😊 Thank you!

[@360luv4allivingthings]

I love the description of the pain the muscle causes, this is great information! thank u!❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤗🍃🌈

[@WholeheartedlyHomestead]

Thank you for posting this, please take a moment to read my full comment 🙏 I've been getting a terrible neck and shoulder pain on and off since open heart surgery 4/19 (they paralyzed my right diaphragm during procedure but it returned 9months later, praise Yah, I still have a lot of weak breathing though, my chest feels so tired all the time) but this on and off pain has been brutal and my Drs completely brush off any complaints of pain I make. Its a stiff deep pain in my neck and shoulders, I'm always begging my husband to rub it but he can't ever reach the spot that feels like a trigger point under my shoulder blade. Do you think I could have something out of place from my open heart surgery? I get awful low back and hip pain I've had 2 discectomies/ lamenectamies, and a labral tear hip repair caused by extra bone growth in my hips, one side hasn't tore but I get a feeling of having my right leg seared in a frying pan often, my clothes hurt me to the touch (I've noticed it coincides with periods of high stress). I have extra bone growth in my feet and stiff deep pain in my ankles that makes it hard to walk. I have no appetite ever because I'm in so much pain all the time. I don't digest properly any more, I can't stay hydrated (I get fluid infusions tri yearly at least). Every Dr treats a separate part of the body so it makes it hard to get care when my symptoms are so spread out. Do you have any advice for my situation?? This has all taken place since 2016, I'm 32 years old. I can't take on any more medical debt, I haven't been able to work the past 7yrs and don't qualify for disability bc I was only 25 when my back went out and I had to stop working bc it was a constant road of recovery one surgery after another and dealing with missed chronic gallbladder disease that they finally caught in 2020, praise Yah. They keep brushing me off, so many have said it's in my head, even though there's continues to be a major issue found. I feel absolutely broken and my prayer of this year is just to be able to garden. I regret not doing so much before.. we don't understand how important our health is till it's ripped away. When I was in a moment of juggling ohs recovery, on oxygen 24/7 with a paralyzed diaphragm, undiagnosed gallbladder disease, and terrible body pains my family started wanting to discuss my will.. to make sure my children would be taken care of and it was a deep mourning for my own life and for my families. I turned to יהוה He delivered me and put me in a place I could at least breathe in, then He took me to the Dr that discovered my gallbladder disease and delivered from that illness it's been a chain effect from them on. he has told me 'you have not because you ask not' I realized maybe instead of dancing around the healthcare system maybe I could just encounter a heart with the knowledge and compassion I desperately need in my situation. I'm posting this comment a few different places when I see someone who knows what they're doing. Any advice at all, from anyone, would be a blessing to me and my family. Thank you!!!

[@MassageSloth]

I'm so sorry you've been struggling with this! My main advice here would be to seek out physical therapy. I know you can't take on any more medical debt, but open enrollment through healthcare.gov (which is what offers subsidized insurance) is open until Jan 15th and might have a plan that works for you if you're in the US. A good PT will take all your disparate pain into account and customize a regimen of stretching, strengthening, and soothing to your needs. A less-good PT will just give you a worksheet and blow you off, so get a second opinion if you're not actually being cared for. Occupational therapists are another option, and tend to be more holistic than your typical PT (but results will vary). And to answer your questions more specifically: No, I don't think anything is out of place following your open heart surgery, but I do imagine your pain is related to your recovery. The upper body is a vast network of pulling forces, and the healing and immobilization following thoracic surgery can be a really confusing time for your nervous system. It might try to keep you in a "cast" of spasming and sensitive muscle until it's sure you're safe. A good PT will gradually reintroduce you to movement, and a good massage therapist could do the same. If you'd like to try some self-care, look for the gentlest yoga regimen you can find (Yoga By Adrienne here on KZbin has many options) and start moving your body in new ways a little each day. If it hurts, find something that's kinder to your body for now. Think moving and soothing rather than just resting, though of course you need rest as well. I'm afraid I can't offer anything more than this, because anything more specific would need to be offered by a healthcare professional who has evaluated you. Best of luck, and be kind to yourself!

[@WholeheartedlyHomestead]

@@MassageSloth bless you bless you bless you! That was more than my Drs are giving me and I will take your advice seriously, thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me, means the world that you actually took a moment. Thank you!!

[@beautiful1gg]

This is great!!!! do you teach classes ?? seminars??

[@MassageSloth]

Quanii Beautiful1q Not at the moment, but sometime soon! I plan to keep giving away everything I know online, though :)

[@Kenaguil]

You should really consider doing classes or seminars!

[@recommendedmusic]

Massage Sloth i'm a massage therapist and i would spend all my money to take an in person seminar/classes from you! Especially, if it counts towards CEUs

[@basrahg.250]

هذا مذهل جدا ومفيد شكرا لك🌷

[@k1ngofpayne991]

great channel found you because i wanna learn about massages to help my wife out.

[@h5y]

Wonderful video!

[@luvbenet]

This video is awesome!! Thank you!! :)

[@OVOZeria]

Hi im going through really bad upper trap pain its been going on for the past few years i was also told i have a frozen shoulder in right arm. What would you recommend me doing as I went for a Thai massage and the woman has now actually made my traps and my frozen shoulder worse. Im to scared to go to anymore massages parlours so what would you recommend. Thanks

[@brianaivesliboon6629]

Hello...thank you for the tips.❤❤❤

[@lillyleidinger]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I learn a lot from your videos! They are great!! Thanks for investing so much time and for all the explanations!!

[@brendagaddy9827]

Do you have a video on face and scalp massage?

[@MassageSloth]

I wasn't sure at first... but I do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2W3mmmZeJaXb5o

[@maggienoffke7360]

This is wonderfully helpful. I have one question: when the client is supine and your hands are underneath her upper back, where - specifically - are you working? Thank you.

[@irishspiriteyes8731]

You sir are amazing!! Great guidance !!!🌱🙏🙏

[@vanijain2379]

Is this kind of massage really works? i have pain too

[@adamj6645]

This is like watching the Joy of Painting.

[@dragonflyychac3530]

ahhh, the voice is sooo hypnotic.

[@Blueskies1180]

“Bust up the knots”…LOL 😂

[@BretNidaRedfinRealEstate]

This is awesome! Thanks. M

[@anamayarelaxingroom]

Hi Ian! Hope you an your family are doing great! I recently found your channel and damn is really helpful and growth-helper. It's really awesome to "know" someone who finds massage therapy as what it is; a gift for humanity, and besides being so good at it. Well, after the gratitude message, I'm leaving this comment because I'm also reading your book, and I just got to the Impostor Syndrome part and I know is never stopping because, as you said, it keeps professionals bussy trying to always improve their skills, so, I work in México and I would really appreciate if you recommend me where can I take a digital course to learn some new techniques, be better and certified by an American Association or something. Hope you have the chance to read my comment and, if you can, helping me a lil bit with this training stuff. Greetings from México!

[@reneekroyer5104]

I have arthritis at T11-12 and I'd like to try massage therapy once/week. I was wondering if you think I should get deep tissue or Swedish massage? I am not able to take anti-inflammatories, so I'm looking for something to help with the pain in my trapezius muscle. I currently use heat bid to that area and most recently have started taking shark cartilage which has been helpful.

[@MassageSloth]

Hi Renee! I do think that massage could help, especially if done frequently (once per week for the first month or two, and feel free to space them out more once your symptoms begin to subside). I tend to avoid places that split their services up between Swedish and deep tissue - I'd prefer my massage therapist to find my perfect pressure and use their full bag of tricks to help me have my best session. Basically, find a well-experienced massage therapist who can customize a session for you, avoid ones with a no-pain no-gain mindset, and consider one who mentions myofascial release as one of their influences. They tend to give a massage that is more like a long, slow ironing out than something that's just focused on individual muscles, which I think can be very useful for mid-back pain. Something else to look into is ashiatsu: Massage therapists who grab bars above the table and massage using their feet! I have a lot of luck getting that "ironing out" feeling from ashi practitioners. Feel free to try a couple of different therapists and see who jibes with you best. One last thing: Keep movement therapies in mind. Mid back pain can respond well to a beginner's yoga routine done on a regular basis (I like Yoga By Adrienne here on KZbin for little bite-sized routines that you can do in the morning), and you might even consider asking for a referral to a physical therapist for a customized regimen of stretching and strengthening. Keep experimenting and fiddling, and I think you'll be able to deal with the worst of this pain!

[@jimkroyer5280]

@@MassageSloth Thank you Ian for your helpful response. I will do what you say as it makes total sense to me. I had to laugh when you mentioned the massage with feet as it made me think of old George Jefferson on his tv show where he'd have somebody walk on his back for his back pain. Too funny. I've never seen/heard of that kind of massage. Thank you again for the time you took to answer this, I really appreciate it.

[@ceciliajohnson8534]

I so wish this was me on this table right now.

[@docgb5990]

Brilliant ❤

[@johnphamlore8073]

It seems to me your trapezius massage also takes great care of the rhomboids?

[@MassageSloth]

For sure, a lot of this work will also affect rhomboids, levator scapulae, serratus posterior superior, and the spinal erectors. And a lot more from a fascial perspective!

[@sophiechan5532]

At 15:23 the triger point right under the shoulder bone is the point of pain for me for many years. The pain goes away some times but everytime I had someone massage it, it got worse and stayed like that for months. Could it be that the muscle has been massaged incorrectly and shouldn't be massaged? Its only on my right side.

[@MassageSloth]

If massage seems to exacerbate your pain in any given area, I definitely recommend asking your massage therapist to avoid it. There might be a way to successfully approach the area, but the fact that it's pain-free otherwise seems like a good reason to give it a wide berth. Don't listen to anyone who says that you need pain for whatever reason. Oh, and if you do end up developing lasting pain, please do see your doctor for a possible referral to physical therapy. Best of luck!

[@shantishanti6343]

Nice job done ✅

[@riculfriculfson7243]

Really good stuff :)

[@megansuter5573]

I have watched a ton of your videos and I love them!! I'm a new massage therapist so I find them helpful but I know this sounds like a small detail but do u prefer lotion or oil. I have found lotion use full because it aborsb to the skin quicker then oil so u can get a better pull but what do u use

[@MassageSloth]

+Megan Suter Thanks Megan! I use jojoba oil, though I have had good experiences with lotions and gels in the past. I find that jojoba, when used in moderation, gives me that "pull" that you're talking about, while lasting for the entire session without need to reapplication. It also keeps the skin on my hands happy, as I'm occasionally prone to eczema in springtime :)

[@shelberz1]

Thank you

[@CmonAndZumba]

I was giving deep tissue massage to someone who has migraines and neck issues from whiplash a couple of years ago and when I got to the lower end of the trapezius with my work the muscle was so guarded but after repeatedly trying to warm and work the area I thought it slacked up enough to get in deeper. It ended up giving my client a headache though all along his occipitals from that spot which seemed to have been from his lower trap. Do you have any ideas for me on if there was anything I might have down to cause that or anything I can do in future to prevent that? I so appreciate any help!

[@nyankosensey1531]

Triger points. You done it incorectly...

[@AshishYadav-gz3jq]

Massage give very helpful for healthy body and good immune system..

[@tanyabarajas1555]

Let me know if you need any massage models in NYC! It would be an absolute dream to have you work on my upper back tension. #goals

[@since1876]

2:19 this man could have shown this stuff on someone else but instead he just tries to show off how flexible he is so we get jealous 🥺

[@sarahwhat]

Love this guy and his technique but can any experienced deep tissue therapist's help explain why he is working his hands down the body, as a student ive been told to always go up ? Any help on explanation id really appreciate. Not criticism, actual query xx

[@MassageSloth]

Hmm! So you're saying in your school they had you work from the hips up toward the head exclusively? A lot of school are adamant about only working from distal to proximal in the limbs (which I generally agree with, especially in clients who might have vulnerable vasculature), but I've never heard about a direction preference in the back (at least not until we get to the realm of structural integration and some kinds of orthopedic massage). As a client I like all sorts of directions-traveling down the back can feel like a long compressive stretch, and travel up the back can feel like a decompressive lift. My official stance: It's all good 🙂

[@fabelle23]

I have noticed that everytime I ask for the knot to be removed, that area above the trapezius hurts so bad the day after I have the massage. Is that normal?

[@MassageSloth]

+Elle Concepcion While that is normal, it's not okay. Your massage therapist should know better than to try to "break up" any knot (even if the client requests it), and they should know better than to use so much pressure/repetition that you're in agony the next day. Try to find someone who slowly works with your shoulders and all of the related areas. Instead of focusing on that one area of pain (the place that feels like a knot), they should be working broadly with your upper back, neck, chest, and shoulders. If they can get the local "tug of war" to calm down, that area of high tension will be able to relax, and that knotted up sensation will diminish over time. Best of luck, and I'm sorry about your experience!

[@LazersNLeather]

You don't know how many times I've had a client just want me to shove my elbow into their "knots" or have them say if you find any knots feel free to dig in to them. It's hard for people to understand that their pain is coming from multiple sources and shoving my elbow into the one spot won't help much in the long run. Just like when I foam roll my quads my hip pain gets so much better!

[@renemartinez3747]

How do I not use my thumbs so much.’that is making my hands hurt and having a flat hand to efflagen hands hurts

[@galactic904]

Do tight traps (med, Lower) make the scapula snap sounds? My scapula (i think) has been snapping for 6 years. I don't bother seeking a massage therapist for it because (i think) they can not guarantee a full cure. I've tried self-massage with a ball, stretching and some exercises. It does help, but i can't get the full cure. If i had $1000 Canadian to spare, i would spend it, but this whole economy is out of wack in the West.

[@MassageSloth]

Snapping scapula seems to be about a tug of war. In other words, don't think about any one muscle, but about all of your upper body muscles that are pulling your shoulders forward, pulling them back, and gluing your scapulas to your arms (e.g. your rotator cuff). The best way to address all of these at once is to do a broad-based program rather than anything specific- think full-body stretching as in yoga, a full-body strength training program with complex exercises, and self-massage that works with lots of muscles rather than trying to target any one. The easiest way to accomplish that last one is with a foam roller, which I demonstrate here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4qbZ4d5jbCGb9k The others are best undertaken under the guidance of a physical therapist or well-credentialed personal trainer. As you work, don't think of trying to stretch your body like taffy, or "working out a knot," or anything so mechanistic. Instead you're trying to convince your nervous system to reduce its overall tone and allow your scapulas to find a more comfortable relationship with your ribs. You may even wish to consider the psychology of the body: If you are stressed, your body engages in guarding behaviors to form a hard outer shell. Is there anything you can do to lower your stress levels and send the message that you are in a place of safety? Sorry, I know that was kind of wide-ranging. Basically, yes lower traps can be part of the tug-of-war, but I don't think that targeting them directly will yield results. Instead, think broadly, and send the message that your body can reduce its overall tone. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@TaushaTW]

Backpacks cause pain here too.