Trapezium muscle pain

[BeagleMum1]

Hi, I wonder if any of you can help me, I'm at my wits end with muscle pain in my left shoulder.

I've had it for years but in last the last couple of years it has got worse. The pain stems from a specific point in the muscle on top of my left shoulder, close to my neck. I can literally pin point it and to touch, it feels like a solid lump. When it's bad, it sends pain up my neck and into head, causing pain over my left eye. I get terrible headaches.

Over the years I've had physio, had a scan of my shoulder ( came back normal) I think this scan looked at my bones. My GP has now referred me for an injection but a physio has warned me that this may not work and that I need to reduce my stress levels!! I've made a link with high stress and more pain. I think it's fair to say, this is where I hold my stress in my body.

Fact is tho, I lead a busy, stressful life and I cannot get any control over the way my body is reacting. I've been on the waiting list for this injection for months but is there anything else I can do? Massage provides short term relief, the therapist has to literally pummel my shoulder, one described it as tenderising a piece of meat!

Anyone else suffer from this type of pain? I'd be so grateful for any advice or signposting. Thank you.

Im a massage therapist you need regular massages consider acupuncture where they literally put needle into lump the pain is unimaginable apparently but helps.
But the way to really make a difference is daily exercise to release tension you need to stretch and move your muscles. Yoga pilates general stretching consistency is key.
Body awareness regularly scan your body to see how you are sitting etc and lower shoulders if up round your ears or whatever yoyr stress related posture is.
Also i get pain in my left side realised i sit in the sofa and lean on the arm holding my phone in my left hand, is there anything you are routinely doing that may be making ut worse?
It is a slow process but will work.

And to add make sure yoyr massage person is using a technique that suits your body, for instance I am a deep tissue therapist but I use long deep strokes and aim for minimal pain and tbh pain never really helps. My clients tell me it works.

Thank you so much for your reply. I have been considering acupuncture and I will think about my posture and daily activities.

Wow. I am 4 months in to left shoulder pain but mine is over my AC joint and I’m wondering if it’s muscular. Your post came at an interesting time.

so far I have seen 3 physios, an osteopath, a craniosacral therapist and next on my list is a orthopaedic consultant followed by sports massage therapist in desperation that someone can actually diagnose what’s wrong with me and treat it. I am hopeful it’s muscular because that means something non invasive for treatment… or not?!

Posture!

I am plagued by this but have managed to make significant improvements by having a desk assessment at work, changing the steering wheel position in my car and basically thinking about ergonomics a lot - use my mobile on speaker, only use a phone with a headset and so on. Also concentrating on bringing my shoulders down and not hunching.

Did the physio do any neck exercises with you? My actual problem, whether it appears in my traps, face or arms is always my neck.

I have the same on both shoulders. I suffer from terrible migraine, always worst when the “lumps” are biggest. At the moment they are huge. Physio was perplexed and said I was like a slab of concrete.
Mine seem to be connected to lifestyle, the busier I am the worse they are. Massage only goes so far. Great advice from PP plus I do this video which helps.
”Yoga for Migraine” with Adrienne.
Best wishes. I feel your pain.

Op I’m 4 years in. There are days I do feel in less pain but it never goes completely, the flare ups are hell.
I do mobility exercises (I follow some great people on TikTok)and strengthening exercises in an effort to minimise it. I also do yoga.
I feel it’s going to be with me for life!

I’ve had similar lately, albeit not for such a long period. 4 sessions of acupuncture (with added cupping) has cleared it - I am the world’s biggest cynic and am rather amazed, but it seems to have worked. It took until the second session for it to start working so not quite instant but fairly quick. Best of luck with whatever you try.

I had this a few years ago, and ended up going to see a Chinese herbalist guy in desperation. He gave me acupuncture, and it literally changed my life. I cried with relief when it was done. In my head, I call him The Magician 😁

Please consider it - I'd never had acupuncture before, and I'm not going to lie, it was a bit painful - but it was so worth it. It's never come back either.

I have this on my right side, with the pain also referring to my head and eye. All stress related.
Regular osteopathy appointments have really helped. My old osteo did help but my new one does a lot of functional work as well as massage and it has made a massive difference.
I also started yoga and again this has helped.
Osteo also gave me upper back mobility exercises (threading the needle etc) and I do trap strengthening exercises too (shrugging with light weights) because the muscle is actually to weak, weirdly.
I also have to consciously try to relax my shoulders down. Yoga has really helped with this.

I must add, the pain of the acupuncture was nowhere near as bad as the pain in my shoulder!

I've had a right shoulder problem for years. Something to do with Burtisis and a Rotator Cuff.

I've had series of injections max of 2 a year, they do work, they can also do guided steroid injections. Also, did Physio and Hydro. Didn't find massage useful, I was too sore for them, it irritated the muscles/nerves.
Then this Feb, I damage my trapezoid muscle on the right. Horrible. The consultant at the hospital, said it takes as long as a piece of string to heal, as it connects so much of you.
Finally healed in September, and even now I still a few twinges in the right hand, as a reminder.
Regular painkillers (to get through the day and sleep), heat (for me), gentle stretches and a decent Osteopath I think about 6 visits.
Wish you well soon. Try not to push yourself too hard.