FUNCTION
The main function of trapezius muscle is to enable neck movements in different directions in such a way that it does not experience looseness and tightness and offers flexibility to the neck. Stiffness due to the neck being stable in a single position for a long period of time arises because the upper fibers of trapezius muscles are overworked. These upper fibers are part of the three muscle areas that travel from the neck base up to the back continuing to the back of shoulder blade and then externally reaching into shoulder and arm areas. Apart from upper fibers, the trapezius muscles have two more parts: middle fibers and lower fibers. All these three help the muscle perform various functions listed below:
- Keeping the neck and head in position
- Allowing the bending and rotation of neck to different sides
- Enabling the movement of shoulder blade in the direction of spine
- Helping the rotational movement in shoulder blade to enable upward facing or lifting of upper arm
- Enabling the up and down movement of shoulder blade
- Assistance in breathing