A lot of people think that massage breaks down nots and scar tissue. No way. The trapezius muscles are strong enough to carry a serious amount of weight. Even in an average person.
The best explanation I have read is that massage tires out the nerves that tell you you’re in pain or tight. A bit like looking into a bright light long enough to blind you. Over stimulation leads a reduction in sensation.
The muscles around the shoulders get tight to make you look bigger to a threat or to drive power to the extremities. Try these massage techniques to eliminate tight shoulders and let us know how you get on!