Physical Therapy for
Upper and Mid Back Pain

Understanding Upper and
Mid Back Pain

Upper and mid back pain often stems from issues in the thoracic spine—the region connecting your neck to your lower back. This part of the spine is built for stability more than flexibility, making it especially prone to strain from poor posture, injury, or stress. While each condition is unique, they all tend to respond well to physical therapy focused on restoring mobility and functional strength.

Rib Pain and Joint Irritation

Your ribs attach directly to the thoracic vertebrae, forming joints that support upper body movement and stability. When these joints become stiff or irritated, they can cause sharp or radiating rib pain, especially during deep breathing, coughing, or twisting. This discomfort can limit mobility and affect daily activities, but targeted physical therapy helps restore movement and relieve pain.

Thoracic Back Pain

Repetitive strain, poor ergonomics, or muscle tightness can place excessive stress on the mid-back, particularly around the thoracic spine. Over time, this stress can lead to persistent aching, stiffness, or discomfort that worsens after sitting or performing repetitive tasks. Without proper intervention, these symptoms may progress and begin to affect posture, mobility, and overall function.

Postural and Ergonomic Issues

Poor posture and improper ergonomics often contribute to head, neck, and upper back pain, especially in desk-bound or tech-heavy routines. Our San Antonio physical therapy team focuses on strengthening postural muscles and teaching corrective strategies to reduce strain and improve alignment. With targeted exercises and ergonomic education, we help you build better habits for long-term comfort and injury prevention.

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Recognizing the Signs of
Upper and Mid Back Pain

When to Consult a Physical Therapist

Symptoms of upper and mid back pain can vary depending on the cause, but early identification is key to preventing chronic discomfort. If these symptoms persist or worsen over time, it’s important to seek professional physical therapy services. Timely evaluation and treatment can address the root cause before the pain begins to limit your mobility or disrupt daily activities.

Rib Pain

When pain radiates around the ribs or worsens with breathing and twisting, it may indicate irritation in the joints connecting the ribs to the spine. Physical therapy can relieve tension and restore smooth movement in these areas.

Thoracic Back Pain

A dull ache or stiffness between the shoulder blades often stems from muscle fatigue, poor posture, or strain in the thoracic spine. Orthopedic physical therapy helps correct alignment and strengthen supporting muscles.

Postural or Ergonomic Discomfort

Hours spent sitting, driving, or hunching forward can cause upper back tension, shoulder tightness, and overall muscular imbalance. A physical therapist can teach postural corrections and targeted exercises to ease the strain and restore functional movement.

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Treating Upper and Mid Back Pain

Physical Therapy San Antonio

Upper and mid back pain can limit mobility, disrupt daily life, and worsen over time if left untreated. At Texas Alliance Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach that addresses the root cause of your discomfort—whether it’s postural strain, a stiff thoracic spine, or soft tissue tension. Our personalized treatment plans combine hands-on care, targeted exercises, and advanced modalities to restore function and get you moving pain-free.

Manual Therapy for Rib and Thoracic Mobility

Hands-on techniques are used to improve mobility between your ribs and thoracic spine, relieving stiffness and restoring natural motion.

Postural Re-education and Ergonomic Training

Our physical therapist will teach you proper posture and ergonomic habits for work, home, and activity to reduce strain and prevent recurrence.

Targeted Strength and Stability Exercises

By strengthening the postural muscles of the upper back, shoulders, and core, physical therapy helps you maintain upright posture and pain-free movement.

Soft Tissue and Myofascial Release

These gentle techniques address tightness and muscle knots that often accompany upper back pain or thoracic strain.

Advanced Physical Therapy Modalities

Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include modalities such as shockwave therapy, dry needling, or therapeutic ultrasound to ease pain and accelerate healing.

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From Pain to Power: Overcoming Upper and Mid Back Pain

Recovering from upper and mid back pain goes beyond pain relief—it’s about restoring movement and building long-term resilience. At Texas Alliance Physical Therapy, we guide patients through postural re-education, targeted strengthening, and spinal mobility exercises to support lasting results. For rib pain or thoracic back stiffness, ongoing physical therapy sessions focus on improving flexibility and reinforcing upper spine stability. The goal is to help you regain strength, restore balance, and return to the activities that bring you comfort and confidence.

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