# Upper Trapezius Soft Tissue Release %%The upper trapezius muscles are the meaty muscles that lie on the top of your shoulder. When looking at self massaging this area it can often be difficult to get to them with enough pressure. However using a doorframe and a ball can help get around this issue.%% ## Self Massage technique <iframe width="390" height="230" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nD2c9SF2tCE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> ## Doorframe Release <iframe width="390" height="230" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VWUIUm1uHCg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> 1. Place the ball on top of the upper traps, fold forward from the hips and wedge the ball in the doorframe. 2. Lean into the ball….breathe! 3. You are looking for a little discomfort so if there are a few spots that feel uncomfortable (NOT painful) then stay there and breath. 4. You should feel the discomfort reduce. 5. Stay on one side as you find a couple of different 'spots' to work on for 1-2 minutes. 6. You can also move the head from side to side as well as moving the arm. 7. Repeat on opposite side