Thoracic Physical Therapy

The thoracic spine (mid-back) plays a central role in the action of your entire upper extremity, serves as the foundation for the cervical spine (neck) and the shoulder girdle.  If the thoracic spine is not in good position and strong, many issues can arise. Common diagnoses related to the thoracic spine that are treated at BreakThrough Physical Therapy include thoracic outlet syndrome, various shoulder aches and pains, cervical spine (neck) pain, costovertebral pain, and others.  Patients can also report pain through the shoulder region which could be initiated in the neck or due to restrictions in the lumbar spine. Injury can affect any of the ligaments, bursae, bones, cartilage or tendons surrounding the thoracic spine and shoulder girdle. Detailed evaluation, progression, and re-evaluation directed by your physician and/or physical therapist are critical to successful treatment.

If you are not sure what to do about your mid back (thoracic spine), but want an easy, cost and time effective way to help ensure you take the right steps towards your future, guided by an expert; check out our Telehealth or Virtual Health Consultation (VHC).

At BreakThrough Physical Therapy, we begin your road to recovery with a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation.  This is critical in helping us to establish the best-individualized treatment plan for you.  You will meet with one of our licensed physical therapists and they will ask a myriad of questions pertaining to you and your thoracic spine or related symptoms in order to help determine the cause of the pain and limitations you are experiencing.  Once the lines of communication and trust have been established, your physical therapist will then take you through a series of tests to determine more specifically the areas/tissues which may be most painful, weak, tight or limiting you in any way.  Your physical therapist will then communicate their findings to you and educate you on the first portion of your home exercise program.  You, your physical therapist and our aide team will work together in the coming weeks to help you reduce pain, increase mobility, flexibility, strength, and endurance of all related tissues.  You will also learn some key tips to improve postural habits and body mechanics.  Our goal is to see you successfully return to your desired lifestyle upon discharge or “graduation” from BreakThrough Physical Therapy.

Because of the muscular, bony, ligamentous, neural and myofascial connections between the tissues; detailed evaluation including a thorough history by a medical professional is strongly recommended.  Many individuals try to manage their symptoms on their own and delay healing further.  We have found that this causes the need for more extensive care in the future, greater expense to you and greater time away from work, family and friends than would have otherwise been needed.  While the internet can be a great tool for basic information, if you are having signs or symptoms which may need medical attention, please consult your physician or physical therapist immediately to ensure that you are taking the proper steps to your recovery.