From the Guidelines
Treatment for a strained right trapezius muscle in the neck region should initially focus on nonpharmacological approaches, such as physical therapy, heat/cold, and orthotics, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1. When considering treatment, it's essential to categorize musculoskeletal symptoms, and for a strained trapezius muscle, initial treatment should focus on relieving pain and inflammation.
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can be applied for the first 48-72 hours to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or aspirin can be considered at the lowest efficacious dose, especially for short-term needs, as suggested by the American Heart Association 1.
- Gentle stretching exercises, such as neck tilts, shoulder rolls, and trapezius stretches, can be introduced gradually after the acute pain subsides.
- Physical therapy may be beneficial for persistent strains, focusing on strengthening exercises and proper posture techniques.
- Heat therapy can be applied after the initial inflammation period to improve blood flow and promote healing. It's crucial to avoid activities that aggravate the pain, maintain good posture, and consider ergonomic adjustments to your workspace to prevent chronic pain and restore normal range of motion.
- If pain persists beyond 2 weeks or worsens significantly, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider, as more severe strains may require prescription muscle relaxants or specialized treatment.
From the Research
Treatment for Strained Right Trapezius in Neck Region
- The treatment for a strained right trapezius muscle in the neck region can include various methods such as exercise programs, acupuncture, and massage therapy 2, 3, 4.
- A lower trapezius strengthening exercise program has been shown to be effective in reducing neck dysfunction and improving postural alignment, muscle thickness, and contraction rate 2.
- Acupuncture has been studied as a potential treatment for nonspecific neck pain, with some evidence suggesting it can improve pain, cervical range of motion, and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle 3.
- Massage therapy, specifically short-duration therapeutic massage, has been found to reduce postural upper trapezius muscle activity, which can help alleviate pain and promote relaxation 4.
- In cases of myofascial pain syndrome, pulsed radiofrequency treatment under ultrasound guidance to the trapezius muscle has been reported to produce continuous pain relief 5.
- For more severe cases of trapezius paralysis, operative reconstruction, such as transfer of the levator scapulae and rhomboid muscles, may be necessary 6.