PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR RHOMBOID PAIN: HOW TO RELIEVE UPPER BACK DISCOMFORT NATURALLY
The four rhomboid muscles sit on each side of the upper back and are responsible for the motion of the shoulders in multiple directions. They also play a large role in maintaining proper posture, whether seated or standing. If the rhomboids are irritated or injured, not only does arm movement become more difficult, but so does correct posture, which can lead to further musculoskeletal issues that cause problems in the day-to-day routine. In other words, these little-known muscles are far more important than most people realize – and physical therapy is the best way to treat most rhomboid conditions to restore safe and comfortable upper body movement.
At JAG Physical Therapy, NY, NJ, and PA’s local PT leader, our skilled therapists are experienced in rhomboid PT treatment, using a combination of modalities to alleviate discomfort, improve posture, and build better shoulder function noninvasively. Book your appointment now to get started or read more below on the role of the rhomboid muscles and how PT can help you relieve rhomboid-related upper body pain.
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What Causes Rhomboid Muscle Pain?
Pain in the rhomboids is quite common, partly because it can have many different causes. Sitting for extended periods is one major reason the rhomboid muscles may start to hurt, and this can be exacerbated by incorrect posture. Repetitive overhead arm movement, such as in swimming or playing sports such as basketball or tennis, could also be responsible, as may straining to lift or carry a heavy object and even stress-related muscle tension over time. Regardless of the reason for the pain, rhomboid-related symptoms can typically be conservatively managed with PT.
How Does Rhomboid Pain Affect Daily Life?
A full range of shoulder motion is necessary to perform a large number of basic activities without difficulty. Moreover, the upper back is not only used for carrying objects like backpacks, but also bears the weight of the head in some physical positions. It’s no wonder, then, that pain in the rhomboids can cause issues with quality of life.
A hurt rhomboid muscle means that merely reaching for a high shelf or typing out an email can be slower than usual and cause pain and wincing. Turning a steering wheel can become much harder, as can household chores involving heavy lifting such as retrieving large packages or taking out the trash. And of course, a rhomboid injury can take athletes off the playing field, sometimes for quite a while. If you suspect you have a rhomboid muscle issue, you should seek physical therapy treatment soon in order to avoid worsening the problem or getting an injury in another area due to movement compensation.
Physical therapy relieves rhomboid pain by improving posture and restoring upper back strength and mobility.
What Is Physical Therapy for Rhomboid Pain?
When it comes to treating rhomboid pain, physical therapy takes a multifaceted approach using not only multiple different types of exercises and special modalities as needed, but also emphasizes patient education. Since issues with the rhomboid muscles have a lot to do with posture, it’s important that patients learn how to recognize their own postural issues and consciously correct them in order to keep their upper back region in good condition.
Some important methods used include targeted strengthening of the rhomboids and nearby muscles in the upper back, so that patients can distribute weight better in this area and bear it more easily. Rhomboid-specific stretching and shoulder mobilization, which may be augmented with manual therapy and other modalities related to range of motion, are also often utilized. Further, patients tend to benefit from functional movement retraining and education on day-to-day ergonomic adjustments. Over time, most people will see better function of the upper back and shoulders, higher strength and endurance, and reduced pain.
What Types of Physical Therapy Rhomboid Exercises are Commonly Used?
Each patient who receives PT for a rhomboid muscle issue will use somewhat different exercises, as the routine should be tailored to their needs, symptoms, tolerance for exertion, and rehabilitation goals. However, certain types of exercise are used for most patients in this situation. These include scapular retraction and shoulder blade squeezes to restore proper range of motion and generally reduce pain, resistance band or weighted rows for shoulder strength and stamina, and thoracic mobility and stretching for posture. Outside of shoulder and back exercises, core strengthening can also be used to provide a lower base of support for upper back stability.
Who Can Benefit From Physical Therapy for Rhomboid Pain?
People of all ages and lifestyles could be at risk of irritating or injuring their rhomboid muscles due to one reason or another. Therefore, many individuals may need PT for rhomboid pain – these include office workers or students who sit at a computer desk for extended periods and athletes who use vigorous shoulder motion, such as baseball pitchers or tennis players. Those who have posture-related discomfort, such as tension that is felt in the upper-to-middle back, may also benefit greatly, as can older adults who may have concerns about age-related bone, joint, and functional issues of the upper back.
What Can Patients Expect During a Rhomboid Physical Therapy Evaluation?
At JAG Physical Therapy, we begin each course of PT with a rigorous evaluation, and in the case of rhomboid pain, the number of potential factors that could cause symptoms make it especially important. When a patient has their first appointment, our therapists evaluate their posture, test their shoulder and upper back strength and range of motion, and analyze their movement patterns.
The patient’s description of their symptoms and medical history are also important, as are their lifestyle needs such as their job and any sports they may play. All of these are taken into account to plan the patient’s personalized rehabilitation routine, including their progressive exercise regimen. Our therapists update each patient’s exercise program as needed and offer educational support in order to make sure healing continues in the optimal way and help prevent recurrence.
Why Choose JAG Physical Therapy for Rhomboid Pain Rehabilitation?
With over 160 locations in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania area, JAG PT proudly offers residents of the region high-quality, evidence-based physical therapy care close to home. Our experienced therapists are trained in upper body rehabilitation, sports medicine, and various specialized modalities, allowing them to create a customized course of treatment that is ideal for each individual patient. Our comprehensive outpatient PT care for all ages helps people recover from shoulder injuries and other conditions and return to their normal routines each day. Schedule an appointment now and take the first step to better upper body movement and posture through rhomboid-focused physical therapy.
Visit JAG Physical Therapy for more details or simply contact us. You can book an appointment for an evaluation here.
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