Photo Credit: Courtesy of Roman Samborskyi/ShutterstockIn recent weeks, the trapezius muscle has taken the spotlight, and at the forefront is “TrapTox” – the hottest solution on the market! This innovative method utilizes Botox to alleviate shoulder pain and effectively relax the contour of bulky shoulders. Here, we speak on the seven fascinating facts about TrapTox:

1. TrapTox is a safe and effective solution for enlarged or pronounced trapezius muscle.

When your trapezius muscle is enlarged or pronounced it can give the shoulders a more bulky and masculine appearance. To fix this, we use a neurotoxin like Botox to relax the muscle. Over time, typically by at least six weeks, the muscle decreases in size, giving a more delicate contour to the shoulder area. Any person with allergies to Botox or neuromuscular disorders wouldn’t be a candidate for this procedure. I would also recommend against the use of Botox if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. 

2. Like any muscle in the body, if you don’t use it, you lose it!

This one is difficult. The Trapezius muscle is utilized every day. Some people overuse this muscle without consciously realizing it. This leads to “hypertrophy” or an enlarged trapezius muscle, which causes the shoulder to become broad and bulky. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend avoiding the use of your trapezius muscle to complement the TrapTox treatment. There are some scapular muscle or rotator cuff exercises that can be done to strengthen these muscle groups and relax the over-compensated trapezius muscle. This could potentially complement the TrapTox treatment, but again, it’s difficult and can be time-consuming. 

3. Botox has effectively been used as a relief treatment for years.

Neurotoxins have undergone extensive research for the treatment of muscle spasms in the neck, yielding great results. One of the primary applications of neurotoxins, such as Botox, was for cervical dystonia – a condition characterized by painful and crippling muscle spasms in the neck, leading to contractures. By relaxing the spastic trapezius muscle, we can effectively alleviate pain and achieve a more refined and delicate shoulder contour.

4. If you have a bad neck or shoulder pain, start with traditional treatments.

Depending on your diagnosis, of course, it might be helpful to start with traditional treatments. Conventionally, muscular issues are managed first with PT and NSAID medications. These are usually covered by health insurance whereas neurotoxin like Botox is extremely difficult to get covered by insurance unless you have severe muscle spasms like cervical dystonia or cerebral palsy-associated spasms. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Crafter/Shutterstock5. TrapTox can be used in combination with other treatments.

Yes, TrapTox can be safely used in combination with PT, stretching, and NSAID medications.

6. You’ll notice relief two weeks after your initial treatment.

It takes about two weeks to start to get relief from pain in the neck and shoulder region if you have a spastic trapezius muscle. In regards to the appearance, It takes at least six to eight weeks for the muscle to start to decrease in size to give a more delicate and contoured shoulder. However, the best results are usually seen three to four months after injections.

7. TrapTox is not a one-and-done treatment.

Most people find the “sweet spot” frequency of getting Traptox every three to four months initially for the first three times, then switch to once every four to six months after the trapezius muscle has decreased in size. 

If you are experiencing neck or shoulder pain or are interested in enhancing your appearance with TrapTox, book a consultation with Beautique Concierge today. Our experienced professionals can assess your needs and provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve the best possible results.