The thoracic spine is the mid part of your back. Its valuable with movements such as rotating your trunk and sitting with good posture. It is also the location where your ribs attach. Your thoracic spine is the key to your low back, neck, and shoulder function. Unfortunately, our daily lives that involve computer work, driving, and watching TV can lead to poor mobility, tightness, and pain. The good news is that physical therapy and exercise can help!

Thoracic motion is particularly important for sports that require you to run, throw, hit, and swing. When you do not have good thoracic mobility, other joints in your body, (lower back, neck and shoulders) are highly likely to get injured. Being able to rotate and extend through your full mechanical range, will allow you to target good mechanics and power when competing.

As we age and become more sedentary, our thoracic spine becomes less mobile too. Making sure you stretch, and move is vital to support function and your independence such as tasks for reaching, toileting and being able to stand. Good thoracic mobility is also necessary for proper rib cage expansion for breathing. If we cannot extend our thoracic spine this limits the amount of air, we can get into our lungs and can create fatigue or shortness of breath.

Remember the goal is to achieve good thoracic mobility. When you do this your ability to reach overhead, correct your posture and twist will improve and will reduce your PAIN!

At PRO Physical Therapy we want patients to be independent, functional and pain free. Here a few exercises to help your increase range of motion at your mid back and reduce your pain. However, do not hesitate to contact a physical therapist at PRO for a specific program targeting your pain and deficits. It’s always important to be educated and have guidance.