Stubborn upper traps HT & TPs?

[~CriCkeT~]

I usually run into this problem if I have a client who is a really stressed out, A type personality. Sometimes I just can't get those upper traps to release...I try sidelying stripping, stretching, etc...but to no avail occasionally.

Your best tips anyone? (prettiest please )

 

[gymnast2014]

GREAT question. My traps need work... Envision me on your table and let us know what you would do. I just had a massage yesterday to no avail... I am tighter than ever. As I think about it, though, I wonder if heat is applied to the area for a bit, if this would assist in the release...Hmmm?

Ready...Embracetime is on your table with traps comprised of rocks...and some boulders.

 

[richyroy]

[quote="embracetime"
Ready...Embracetime is on your table with traps comprised of rocks...and some boulders. [/quote] Sometimes the "over the shoulder boulder holder" is too tight, compromising circulation in the traps.

I'd start supine with the head face and scalp. I know, that is redundant to type. Head. Relaxation to start. Arm pull to follow. Long arm pull...spend a long time here. Eventually turn to prone and insert elbow...gently at first, increasing pressure as needed.

 

[Helios]

Hey SS...what are arm pulls? "Arm pull to follow. Long arm pull?"

Please explain! Thanks!

 

[ggaryusa]

Yup, an arm pull. works best supine, pull on the arm while it is pointing toward feet. pull the arm and move it thru as much rom as possible, rotation included. must go very slow, as an mfr release will take 90+ seconds to occur. It is not unusual for an arm pull to last 15 minutes. feels great. come over sometime for one...or two.

 

[Jefisia]

Sounds great...I so wish I could try it in person! Thank you! will try that on those rock hard upper traps. I will also use more elbows (rather than thumbs in the TPs).

 

[?LFC? ?Torres Torres?]

I too like MFR for tight traps, but I like to do cross-handed stretches over the trap area with the client prone until there is some release of the tightness. Remember to hold the stretch(es) for 3-5 minutes. Don't let go at the first sign of a release, you need to get to the deeper layers.

I find the arm pulls go much better then.

 

[Kayteeee]

Stresssolutions when you said, "Sometimes the 'over the shoulder boulder holder" is too tight, compromising circulation in the traps," were you referring to my bra? Well, if I must share... No need for an over the shoulder boulder holder, as there are only pebbles here. LOL!

 

[Zach M]

Usually the levator scapula (both) need to be released before the sup traps will loosen.

Also, when it comes to any kind of shoulder work, I find that loosening (working) the subscap's and pectorals FIRST will much improve any work I do to the post muscles of shoulder.

 

[monkey95]

Gotta agree with Kathryn- working the upper chest can really do wonders for the back (traps, rhoms, etc.)

As for MFR- with the client prone,with FAs lean into the top of the traps just post. to the clavicle (one on each side of the head- you may have to start from a knealing position) and slowly let the fascia move you down the back.

If the client is able to take deeper press. you can actually lean into them with your elbows as well as FAs, and move both of your feet back so that you are almost in a push up position.

Hope that makes some sense in print.

Hey, Mick, I'll be right over for that arm pull

 

[rbee54]

Sometimes when intense work doesn't get out those stubborn TPs I get great results using postional release techniques 1st. It really seems to help get old, set-in stuff to release.

Angie