The Science: Why Your Shoulders Hold Your Stress
The phrase "carrying tension in your shoulders" describes real neuromuscular physiology. When your brain perceives threat, it sends signals to the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles to brace for impact—shoulders up, neck protected. This is part of the startle reflex, an ancient defensive posture. In acute danger, these muscles would tense, you'd survive the threat, and then they'd relax. But when the "threat" is chronic stress—work pressure, relationship conflict, financial worry—the relaxation phase never comes. Your shoulders stay up. Chronically.
Over time, this creates physical changes: trigger points develop (hyperirritable spots in muscle tissue), fascia becomes restricted, blood flow decreases, and metabolic waste accumulates. The muscles literally get stuck in contraction. This is why stretching and massage often provide only temporary relief—the neurological signal telling the muscles to contract is still active. The next stressor, and you're right back where you started.
Tapping works on both sides of this equation. By calming the nervous system's stress response, it addresses the neurological signal that's keeping the muscles contracted. And by combining this with awareness of the physical sensation, it appears to help release existing trigger points and fascial restrictions. Many people feel their shoulders literally drop during Tapping—the nervous system is finally sending the "all clear" signal that allows the muscles to let go.
The burden metaphor: We "carry the weight of the world on our shoulders." We have people who are "a pain in the neck." These aren't just figures of speech—they describe how emotional burden manifests physically. Tapping on what you're "carrying" often releases the shoulder tension.
Real Results
Beth Arrowsmith's Story
"Right after Thanksgiving, 2024, I noticed my neck was a bit tight and uncomfortable. Several days later I did some very deep emotional work and within a day or two, my neck got significantly worse. Eventually, the muscles were so tight that I couldn't lay down, drive or look at my phone for very long."
Beth tried everything: chiropractor, acupuncturist, somatic healer—only short-term relief. Urgent care referred her to a neurosurgeon. The ER gave her more meds. Ortho walk-in clinic changed the meds again. Nothing was working.
"Taking stock of my situation, I realized that none of my external resources were helping me and that I had to find the answer myself, that it was an emotional issue. I knew that my muscles were trying to tell me something. And then I remembered Tapping..."
She did the back pain relief series, circling closer to the core issue each time: "Not only did I not know at age 65 who I was, but that as a child, I had been prevented from discovering my true self." About an hour and a half into a tutoring session after Tapping deeply on this, she realized—"I wasn't in pain and my neck was moving freely!!!!"
"3 days later, I was able to safely drive myself to PT and graduated PT after only 5 sessions. I have had no issues with my neck since then."
Laura Phanhthourath's Story
"Wow, Tapping works for pain every single time for me. Just one round and pain is gone. I did today for shoulder soreness and it was gone after first round. I used it for headaches and fatigue after a long day at work. Awesome!"
Laura discovered that Tapping consistently works for her physical pain—shoulder soreness, headaches, and even fatigue. One round is often all it takes. The key is using it immediately when pain arises, rather than waiting for it to build.
Linda Stoeckel's Story
"I attend a chi ball class, it's a mix of tai chi and yoga and just before we get into relaxation mode we spend about 5 mins Tapping, we tap our arms neck and shoulders we stop Tapping and spend a small amount of time gently rubbing over the areas we tapped. It has helped me with my pain."
Linda was introduced to Tapping through her chi ball class, where neck and shoulder Tapping is part of the relaxation routine. She found it so helpful that she now taps outside of class too: "There is only one class a week but now I will be able to tap anytime."
Working With Neck and Shoulder Pain
Check in regularly: Set reminders to notice your shoulders throughout the day. Are they climbing toward your ears? Tap briefly to release.
Explore the metaphors: What are you carrying? Who is a pain in your neck? These questions often lead to the emotional roots of physical tension.
Combine approaches: Tapping works well alongside stretching, massage, and physical therapy. Address both the physical and emotional components.
Release Your Tension Now
These sessions target upper body tension and stress-related pain.
Tension Release 12 min Releasing Physical Pain 15 min