The Shocking Truth About Upper Traps: Why Weakness, Not Tightness, Is the Problem - Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

I’ve had physios swear up and down that their patients’ upper traps are the root of all evil, causing chaos in their neck, shoulder, and upper back region.

They go on about how these muscles are too damn tight, too wound up, or working overtime, and how they need to be tamed, released, and loosened up.

They preach about avoiding anything that might activate those upper traps like it’s the plague.

As a patient, have you heard this too?

Well, I call BS on this whole charade. I reckon most people suffering from upper trap issues aren’t solely in pain because of these muscles.

In fact, I believe they often need to go against the grain and pump those traps up rather than babying them.

Stretching and massaging them? Nah, I don’t think that’s the answer.

What’s causing those achy upper traps you ask?

It’s a mixed bag of reasons – from pain referral to stress to the traps just not being strong and useful enough for your daily grind.

They’re not hurting because they’re overachievers; they’re hurting because they’re struggling to keep up.

So, skipping out on exercises that challenge and strengthen the upper traps is a big mistake for anyone feeling neck and shoulder strain or pain.

I’ve noticed that most patients saying this stuff about upper traps are dealing with neck, shoulder and upper trap issues because the traps aren’t packing enough strength!

They can’t handle the load, then they fatigue, then they get tight, then sore, then painful and annoying. These muscles need a boost, not a release!

Here is a message for therapists too.

You seem to have forgotten a crucial role of the upper traps – their knack for taking the load off the cervical spine and shoulder region.

Look at the anatomy, and you’ll see how these fibers can help redirect forces away from the neck and shoulder joint by working their magic.

Strengthening those upper traps could be a game-changer for many neck-related issues, redistributing the stress and strain, boosting the resilience of those cranky cervical and glenohumeral structures.

That’s why I’m all about strengthening exercises over stretches and releases for those with upper trap troubles.

In a nutshell, upper trap strength exercises should be a staple for anyone dealing with neck and shoulder woes.

Stronger traps can be the unsung heroes, lifting the burden off irritated neck or shoulder, beefing up their ability to handle life’s pressures with more grace

And hey, if you’re tired of the same old song and dance with your neck and shoulder issues, it might be time to shake things up.

At Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, we’re all about challenging the status quo and getting you back to your best self.

Say goodbye to cookie-cutter approaches and hello to tailored solutions that actually work.

Ready to kick those upper trap troubles to the curb?

Reach out to us today and book an appointment with one of our fantastic Physiotherapists and let’s start a journey towards a stronger, pain-free you.

Your body (and traps) will thank you for it.

Ever been told your upper trap is too active?

Do you think this is the reason for your neck or shoulder pain?

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