Trapezius Strain

Question 1

Define trapezius strain

Answer 1

Tenderness and pain involving the trapezius muscle due to overstretching or overuse

Question 2

A trapezius strain can either have a ____ cause or a ____ cause

Answer 2

traumatic

chronic

Question 3

What are the 3 types of chronic causes?

Answer 3

• Overload of the muscle (repetitive lifting)
• Poor positioning
• Skeletal variations (scoliosis, leg length discrepancy, etc.)

Question 4

What are the symptoms of a trapezius strain?

Answer 4

Deep aching discomfort, tightness or spasm in the region of the trapezius

Question 5

Where does an upper trapezius strain refer pain to?

Answer 5

behind the ear, temple, and occipital areas

Question 6

Where does a middle trapezius strain refer pain to?

Answer 6

the intrascapular region

Question 7

Where does a lower trapezius strain refer pain to?

Answer 7

the mastoid area

Question 8

What type of symptoms may be experienced in the shoulder girdle?

Answer 8

• Paresthesias
• Heaviness
• Fatigue

Question 9

What 3 things should be done during the physical examination of a trapezius strain?

Answer 9

• postural observation
• cervical AROM
• palpation of the cervical and shoulder girdle regions

Question 10

What may a trapezius strain limit functionally?

Answer 10

• activities of daily living
• vocational activities
• recreational activities

Question 11

What type of special imaging can be performed to diagnose a trapezius strain?

Answer 11

There is no need for special imaging techniques a clinical diagnosis based on history and examination are sufficient

Question 12

What should the initial treatment protocol be for a patient with a trapezius strain?

Answer 12

• Patient education about proper positioning and posture
• Encouragement to return to usual activities as soon as possible
• Identify and correct precipitating and perpetuating factors
• Ice and moist heat
• Stretching exercises
• Medications (acetaminophen, NSAIDS, Muscle relaxants, Low dose tricyclic antidepressants)

Question 13

What type of rehabilitation regimen has been proven to be beneficial when treating trapezius strains?

Answer 13

Early mobilization with active treatment is superior

Question 14

If previous rehabilitation methods do not work, what can be done?

Answer 14

Trigger point injections

Question 15

What are a few other potential complications associated with a trapezius strain?

Answer 15

• muscle atrophy, loss of flexibility and endurance due to disuse
• personal and occupational disabilities