To effectively stretch your lower trapezius muscles, follow this specific exercise:
- Start Position: Raise your arm out to your side, ensuring your elbow and hand are in line with your shoulder.
- Elbow Bend: Bend your elbow to a 90-degree angle.
- Stretch Execution: Keeping your elbow in the same 90-degree position, raise your hand up toward the ceiling. You should feel a stretch.
- Important Note: Avoid shrugging your shoulders up towards your ears while performing this stretch. Focus on keeping your shoulder blades relaxed and down.
This method specifically targets the lower trapezius muscles, which often need attention due to their role in posture and shoulder stability. By performing this stretch correctly, you can help improve your posture and reduce muscle tension. The reference emphasizes the importance of keeping the elbow bent at 90 degrees and avoiding shoulder shrugging to maximize the effectiveness of the stretch.
