Trapezius Muscles Course

Trapezius Muscles Course is organized by Brookbush Institute.

Course Description:
This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the trapezius muscles. The trapezius muscles are also known as the traps, trap muscles, shoulder blade muscles, upper back muscles, and/or are referred to individually as the upper trapezius (upper trap), middle trapezius (mid trap), and lower trapezius (lower trap). This muscle is the most superficial muscle of the upper back and is composed of more type I muscle fibers; however, the percentage of type I and type II muscle fibers are close to even. This muscle crosses the scapulothoracic joint, influencing motion of the sternoclavicular joint and acromioclavicular joint. The upper trapezius is an elevator, upward rotator, and anterior tipper of the scapula, the middle trapezius is a retractor and downward rotator of the scapula, and the lower trapezius is a depressor, upward rotator, and posterior tipper of the scapula. Additionally, the upper trapezius is innervated by the accessory nerve (along with the sternocleidomastoid) and plays an important role in stability and motion of the neck (cervical spine). This course also describes the role of the trapezius muscles in scapulothoracic arthrokinematics, fascial integration (thoracolumbar fascia), postural dysfunction, and subsystem integration. Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) must be aware of the trapezius muscles for the detailed analysis of human movement, and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic..

Behavioral Objectives
• Students will be prepared to pass a final exam by choosing from a list of potential answers to behavior-objective matched multiple-choice questions.
• By the end of the seminar, the participant will be able to recall at least 5 anatomical features related to the trapezius
• Explain the integrated relationship between the trapezius and 5 other structures
• Describe the behavior of this muscle at it relates to postural dysfunction
• List at least 3 techniques that may be used to address dysfunction of the trapezius