Mid Back/ Thoracic/ Scapular Pain

Mid back÷ shoulder blade pain

Mid back pain involving the thoracic spine, ribs or shoulder blade region is a common issue that can arise from prolonged sitting, desk work, lifting, sporting activity or postural strain. Many people experience tightness between the shoulder blades, rib discomfort with breathing or twisting, or stiffness through the upper back that limits comfortable movement.

At Flinders Health and Wellness Clinic, our team assess how your thoracic spine, ribs and shoulder blades are functioning to help work with you on addressing possible contributing factors to your symptoms.

Treatment focuses on restoring mobility through the mid back and ribs, reducing muscle tension around the shoulder blades and helping you return to comfortable daily activities. Our goal is helping you understand why symptoms may be occurring and provide you support to manage your pain.

Why People Seek Treatment:

Mid back pain or stiffness through the thoracic spine Pain between the shoulder blades Rib pain with breathing, coughing or twisting Postural strain from desk work or prolonged sitting Muscle tension around the shoulder blades Reduced mobility through the mid back or rib cage If your symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, reflux-like pain, unexplained systemic symptoms, or concerns related to heart or gastrointestinal conditions, it is important to seek medical assessment with your GP or appropriate healthcare provider first.

How We Manage:

Treatment is tailored to your sensitivity and underlying drivers of mid back, rib or shoulder blade pain. This may include techniques aimed at improving mobility of the thoracic spine and rib joints while reducing tension in the surrounding muscles of the upper back and shoulder blade region.

Care may include dry needling, gentle mobilisation, rib techniques, fascial release and practical strategies to help you manage symptoms. We focus on improving thoracic movement, breathing mechanics and shoulder blade function while supporting long-term recovery through education and active management.

Goals for Treatment:

Reducing mid back pain, rib discomfort or stiffness between the shoulder blades
Offers non-medication-based pain management
Improving thoracic spine and rib movement to assist with breathing and twisting
Identifying posture or desk-based factors which may influence your symptoms
Supporting shoulder blade stability and upper back movement
Building a consistent routine for self-management and tools to address contributing factors to pain

Treatment may include: dry needling, joint mobilisation, joint manipulation, muscle energy techniques, rib mobilisation, soft tissue massage, stretching and counterstrain.