Muscles

Lower trapezius

Depresses and upwardly rotates the scapula; key for healthy overhead motion.

Referred pain map

Lower trapezius — TrP6 in the muscle belly near the acromion refers a sharp, focal pain to the top of the shoulder and adjacent supraspinous region; TrP7 (marked O) is a nearby zone that can produce a distant satellite referral down the postero-lateral arm — a frequently missed cause of persistent 'top-of-shoulder' and upper-arm pain that resists local treatment.

Overview

Depresses and upwardly rotates the scapula; key for healthy overhead motion. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.

Trigger point locations

Lower fibers between mid-thoracic spine and the scapular spine.

Referred pain pattern

Cervical and mid-back ache; often weak rather than tight in modern desk users.

Palpation & testing

Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.

Common causes

Underuse from rounded posture, scapular dyskinesis, dominant upper trapezius.

Self-care & clinical treatment

Prone Y/T/W exercises, scapular control work. Clinically: motor control retraining.

Symptoms commonly linked

Mid-back pain
Scapular pain
Neck pain

References

• Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction