Condition Pain Condition Benchmarked

Upper Back Pain (Thoracic)

Pain between the shoulder blades or in the mid-back region. Assessment targets thoracic mobility, scapular positioning, cervical contribution, breathing patterns, and postural endurance.

6
ROM Tests
4
Corrective Priorities
4
Risk Factors
4
Red Flags

Key ROM Tests

1 Thoracic Extension
2 Thoracic Rotation Seated
3 Scapular Position
4 Shoulder Horizontal Abduction
5 Cervical Flexion Extension
6 Diaphragmatic Assessment

Risk Factors Assessed

Thoracic Extension
Scapular Position
Thoracic Rotation Seated
Diaphragmatic Assessment

Expected Timeline

4-8 weeks for acute, 8-16 weeks for chronic postural-driven

Frequently Asked Questions

Can upper back pain (thoracic) be corrected with exercise?
Typical improvement timeline is 4-8 weeks for acute, 8-16 weeks for chronic postural-driven. The protocol includes 4 prioritized corrective interventions and screens for red flags that require medical referral.
What assessments are done for upper back pain (thoracic)?
The protocol assesses Thoracic Extension, Thoracic Rotation Seated, Scapular Position, Shoulder Horizontal Abduction. Each test identifies the specific driver of the condition, guiding the corrective sequence.
Is upper back pain (thoracic) the same for everyone?
No. The assessment differentiates structural from functional causes and identifies the individual's primary driver. The corrective plan is ordered by priority, with the highest-leverage corrections addressed first.
How do I get started with the Upper Back Pain (Thoracic) protocol?
Apply for an assessment through AKMI. Your coach will run the Upper Back Pain (Thoracic) protocol as part of your initial structural evaluation, then build a personalized corrective plan based on the findings.

Get your Upper Back Pain (Thoracic) assessment

Your coach runs this protocol as part of your structural evaluation, then builds a personalized corrective plan based on the data.

Apply for Assessment

Protocol Details

Category
Condition
Subcategory
Pain Condition
ROM Tests
6
Corrective Targets
4
Benchmarked
Yes
Red Flag Screens
4
Timeline
4-8 weeks for acute, 8-16 weeks for chronic postural-driven
Free Pain Assessment

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