How to massage your own shoulder (upper trapezius and neck) with a ball
This week I’ll show you a way to massage your own shoulder specifically upper trapezius or traps with a tennis ball or lacrosse ball. Either one works but use a tennis ball for softer pressure because it gives and lacrosse ball for harder pressure because it doesn’t give. Since I always like a hard pressure I’ll demonstrate with the lacrosse ball.
Stand in front of the wall. Place the ball between you and the wall, and lean against it. You can move side to side or up and down by bending your knees.
Trapezius muscle actually goes all the way to the base of the skull over the neck muscles. You can lower yourself further to massage the neck area but the knees and thighs start to burn so it’s better to reposition the ball higher and massage in a comfortable position.
To increase the pressure even more, use the supported thumb of the other side and press the front of the shoulder muscle against the ball.
Happy Massaging!
8-5-13: How to massage your upper trapezius (and neck) with a ball http://youtu.be/wUNFiLWX_yQ
