Very similar situation in my case. Had pain for years and quite severe at times. Dr's prescribed muscle relaxers that just made me sleep, and pain/knot would be back right away. It was on my trapezius, and always a knot there I'd have my wife use her elbow. Wasn't until I stumbled across this video from Kelly Starrett til I found the cure. Yes, cure. I keep doing the stretches every day to keep it at bay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRozBCFU_pA