If you have neck pain, you may also feel the painful knots. These forms are found in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, which are located in the shoulder area where the Shoulder and Neck meet.
These trigger points can lead to pain, muscle spasms, and tension in the neck and shoulders. Massage is one way to release trigger points from the upper trapezius or levator scapulae muscles. Although ultrasound and electrical stimulation have been used to dislodge knots, scientific evidence suggests that they are not as effective.
Stretching the neck muscles, among other exercises, can help relieve neck knots. However, it is important to maintain a healthy posture to prevent further depressing symptoms. Kinesiology tape is one of the most recent neck and shoulder knot treatments.
What is Kinesiology Tape?
This is the most modern form of physical therapy for releasing muscle knots. Kinesiology tape also reduces swelling, pain, and inflammation and can treat fluid retention.
It can also be used to lift the skin from the underlying tissues, which increases circulation and releases muscular spasms. If you suffer from neck pain, it can help reduce trigger points and knots in the trapezius or levator muscles.
A specific tape strip, or a lifting strip or bandage strip, is used to reduce the notes and trigger points in your trapezius and levator muscles.
You must consult your healthcare provider before using kinesiology tape on your own.
A physical therapist is needed to evaluate your injury properly. Kinesiology tape can be harmful and can cause more harm than good. There are also many areas in the body where it should not be used. After evaluating your neck pain and trigger point, a physical therapist can decide if you require kinesiology tape.
There is an application method that works best.
This is how to use kinesiology tap to reduce spasms and trigger points in your neck and upper shoulders.
- Place your neck and shoulders in a comfortable position.
- For each side of your neck, cut a lift strip that is about three to four inches in length
- The paper backing should be removed from the middle of each strip. It will look like a bandage. The backing must still be on both ends, which is why it’s also known as a bandage.
- Place the tape 100% over your trigger point, either in your neck or shoulder area. Now, remove the backing from each side of the lift strip.
- You can then gently rub the tape to help the heat stick better to your skin
