Soft Tissue
Upper trapezius mobilisation
Reduce tension across the top of the shoulder.
Complete
Why it is used in rehab
Upper trapezius tension frequently accompanies shoulder pain and influences scapular movement.
Targets
Upper Trapezius
Starting position
Stand with a ball trapped between a door frame (or rack) and the top of your shoulder.
Step-by-step
- Lean into the ball and work across the muscle from the shoulder toward the base of the neck.
- Move your arm behind your back or across your body, and tilt your head down and away, to vary the stretch.
Movement mechanics: Body lean controls pressure.
📖 Rehab Science instructions paraphrased from the book’s exercise description
Coaching notes
Common mistakes
- Pressing into the side of the neck
Easier variation
- Lean less
Advanced variation
- Add head tilt while pressing
ℹ Additional explanation
Where it appears in Rehab Science
| Protocol | Phase | Group | Prescription | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neck Pain | 1 | Soft Tissue Mobilizations | Spend 1−2 minutes on each area · Perform in any order on both sides · Stop on tender points for 10−20 seconds | 277 |
| Headache Pain | 1 | Soft Tissue Mobilizations | Spend 1–2 minutes on each area · Perform in any order on both sides · Stop on tender points for 10–20 seconds | 330 |
| Shoulder Pain | 1 | Soft Tissue Mobilizations | Spend 1–2 minutes on each area · Perform in any order on both sides · Stop on tender points for 10–20 seconds · Avoid exercises and arm movements that flare up your symptoms | 374 |
Source: Rehab Science · Ch 15 · PDF pp. 277, 330, 374show sources ▾
Page numbers are those of the uploaded PDF edition. "Find original" opens a PubMed search for the cited study.