Functional Rehab Academy

Trapezius

Muscle origin
Medial third of the superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance, nuchal ligament (upper part), spinous processes and supraspinous ligaments of vertebrae C7-T4 (middle part) and spinous processes and supraspinous ligaments of vertebrae T4-T12 (lower part

Muscle insertion
Lateral third of clavicle, medial acromial margin and superior crest of Scapular spine, and lateral apex of the medial end of Scapular spine.

Muscle function
Upper part – Extension of head and neck (bilateral contraction), lateral flexion (ipsilateral contraction) and rotation of Atlantooccipital joint opposite side (contralateral contraction). Scapula elevation and lateral rotation, and control of Clavicula and AC and SC.
Middle part –  Scapular adduction and rotation of C7-T4 to opposite side.
Lower part – Depression, adduction and lateral rotation of Scapula, and assist in extension and control of T5-T12.

Nerve innervation
XI and C3-4 (Lovett reactor L2-L3)

Primary muscle type
Phasic / Type I (65-80%)

Myofascial lines
Superficial back arm line

 

Primary inhibatory muscles
Rhomboid, Pectoralis major, Pectoralis minor, Deltoid anterior and posterior, Biceps brachii, Triceps brachii

Organ relationship (T1-L2, Sacrum, n. Vagus)

  • Heart (FA)
    • Symp – T1-6 (Cardiac plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Lungs (FA)
    • Symp – T2-T6 (Pulmonary plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Stomach (FA)
    • Symp – T5-9 (Celiac plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
  • Large intestine (AK)
    • Symp – T10-L2 (Mesenteric and Hypogastric plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus) and S2-S4 (Sacral plexus)
  • Kidney (AK)
    • Symp – T10-L2 (Renal plexus)
    • Parasymp – None (CX minimal)
  • Bladder (AK)
    • Symp – T10-L2 (Inferior Hypogastric plexus)
    • Parasymp – S2-4 (Sacral plexus)
  • Spleen (AK)
    • Symp – T5-T9 (Celiac plexus) 
    • Parasymp – None (CX minimal)
Upper Clavicle part
Client is supine with the shoulder in a 90 deg. shoulder abduction, full internal rotation with palm facing down, and elbow fully extended. Apply pressure around the wrist area towards adduction – trying to push the arm in along side the body.
Upper Scapular part
Client is supine with the shoulder in a 45 deg. shoulder abduction, and 45 deg. flexion, neutral rotation with palm facing down alongside the body, and elbow fully extended. Apply pressure around the wrist area towards extension and horizontal adduction – trying to push the arm towards the opposite hip.
Middle part
Client is supine with the shoulder in a 90 deg. shoulder abduction, neutral rotation with palm facing up, and elbow fully extended. Apply pressure around the wrist area trying to bring the hand closer towards the ceiling.
Lower part
Client is supine with the shoulder in a 135 deg. abduction, neutral rotation with palm facing up, and elbow fully extended. Apply pressure around the wrist area trying to bring the hand closer towards the ceiling.

Functional anatomy for

Trapezius

Related joints

  • C1-T12
  • Thoracoscapular joint
  • Sternoclavicular joint
  • Acromioclavicular joint

Associated muscles

Release exercises

Corrective strength exercises

Functional Rehab Academy

Manual and practical therapy strategies that will help you find the root cause(s) and achieve faster and better results with your clients.

Functional Rehab Academy is a part of:
Move2Peak Academy ApS, Denmark
contact@functionalrehabacademy.com