Muscles
Lower trapezius
Depresses and upwardly rotates the scapula; key for healthy overhead motion.
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
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction