I was told to shrug my shoulders following surgery and I always found that it exacerbated my pain in the neck and traps. Most of the usual things PTs proposed for me were aggravating. The only thing I've been able to do that helps is lie on the floor and practice diaphragmatic breathing. But, at some point, one has to get off the floor so it hasn't been a practical solution, but it does take the edge off for a bit.