Diagnosis | Musculus trapezius

Diagnosis

A functional disorder of the trapezius muscle is determined by an examination of the musculature. When the trapezius muscle is palpated, the examiner may notice notice noticeable hardening of the muscle or cause pain by exerting pressure on the muscle. During the examination, the overall mobility of the joints and the muscle is also checked and the state of tension and strength of the muscle is assessed.

In the case of disorders of the trapezius muscle, these characteristics of the muscle are reduced in their function. One examination method is performed on a seated patient, whereby the patient tries to raise the shoulders against the resistance exerted by the examiner. If the patient is only able to lift his shoulders to a limited extent, this may be an indication of a functional disorder in the area of the musculus trapezius.

Therapy/Prognosis

First and foremost, the elimination of incorrect posture of the body should be mentioned here, for example at work or through incorrectly performed sports exercises. In addition, hardenings and tensions of the musculus trapezius can be professionally resolved by physiotherapists or masseurs in several sessions. Domestic remedies that can relieve pain and tension in the area of the trapezius muscle are the use of hot water bottles, heating pads, red light or a hot bath.

There is the possibility of relieving pain in the trapezius muscle by taking painkillers from the group of anti-inflammatory analgesics, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. However, you should not take these without consulting your doctor. In addition, there is the possibility of relieving the tension of the trapezius muscle with medication by administering a so-called muscle relaxant.

In the field of sports, kinesiotapes are often used to reduce tension in the neck and shoulder area. If the incorrect strain on the trapezius muscle is eliminated and prophylaxis is carried out regularly, functional disorders can heal completely. However, the affected trapezius muscle tends to be susceptible to renewed tension.