Muscle Monday!
Today’s feature are the Trapezius – both Cervicus and Thoracic portion.
Origin and Insertion: Thoracic fibers originate from the superior spines of dorsal vertebrae from approx 3rd to 10th. Cervical fibers originate superior border of nuchal ligament. Both insert onto the cranial and caudal tubercles of the spine of scapula.
Shape: a flat triangular muscle.
Fiber Direction: Cervical portion follows and downward and back direction with the thoracic portion following and downward and forward direction. Divided by tendinous sheet that joins over the spine of scapula that individualizes this one muscle to 2 regions.
Action: cervical portion aide to move the shoulder upward and forward. Thoracic portion draw shoulder upward and backwards.
Problems: Generalized tightening of shoulders and loss of free scapula action that results in variant non- specific loss of co-ordination, power, motion and ability.
Comments: pain and or dysfunction through the Trapezius can also be exhibited by sore withers, negative reaction to tightening the girth, shortened stride, lead change concerns and loss of the forelimb power/impulsion. Riders who thump into the saddle or bounce on the back and poor fitting saddles with contribute to pain and or dysfunction to the Trapezius muscles.
Associated Riding Discipline concerns: Jumpers, eventers and steeple chasers will damage when landing.
Race horses, polo, reining, cutting, cow, barrel and gymkhana horses will aggravate this via sudden stops and turns, change in direction especially at speed, quick and or sudden stops etc.
Gaited horses will fatigue the trapezius.
Ref:
1. Beating Muscle Injuries for Horses. Jack Meagher, Sports Therapist.
2. Anatomy of the Horse. Horse Health and Care Series,
3. Horse Curator.com.
Melissa Longhurst is a certified Equine Body Worker (EEBW) and Equi-Tape Therapist working in the
Mackay & Whitsunday’s region of Queensland.
I welcome you to share the articles posted on this site but do request that original works are credited.
Equine Massage should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care. If in doubt of your horses’ health or well being, Melissa will refer you to your preferred veterinarian prior to commencing any bodywork. Horses under the care of a veterinarian should first be cleared by the attending veterinarian to ensure that massage is appropriate for the horse at this time.