Kyphosis Massage

A Kyphosis (Dowager’s hump) Massage is a therapeutic approach aimed at reducing muscle tension, enhancing flexibility, and improving postural alignment in individuals with kyphosis—a pronounced rounding of the upper back. Massage seeks to relieve discomfort, restore range of motion, and address muscular imbalances contributing to the postural deviation.​​

Signs & Symptoms

• Rounded upper back or hunching (usually thoracic spine)

• Postural changes such as forward head, protracted shoulders, or sunken chest

• Stiffness, aching, or pain in the upper and mid-back

• Tight chest, anterior shoulder, and neck muscles with weak mid-back and extensor muscles

• Reduced ability to extend thoracic spine and often shallow breathing

• In severe cases, breathing difficulties or decreased thoracic mobility.​

Contraindications

• Avoid mobilizing hypermobile vertebrae or joints; do not overstretch weak, lengthened tissues

• No vigorous joint play, stretching, or rib springing in clients with osteoporosis or compression fractures

• Never apply deep heat to lengthened, weakened muscles

• Do not treat over active infection, open lesions, or unexplained severe pain

• Consult with a physician if kyphosis is associated with acute trauma, unexplained neurological symptoms, or malignancy.​

Assessment

• Postural observation: check curve severity, scapular and head position, and compensatory patterns

• Palpate for tightness, trigger points, and connective tissue adhesions in pectorals, intercostals, and thoracic spine

• Assess thoracic, cervical, and shoulder range of motion and end-feel

• Evaluate respiratory mobility, breathing pattern, and ribcage movement

• Rule out other causes (e.g., vertebral compression, disc injury) for pain or dysfunction.​

Treatment

• Myofascial release, petrissage, and muscle stripping to tight anterior chest, intercostals, and shoulder muscles

• Ischemic compression, neuromuscular therapy, and stretching for trigger points in pectorals, subscapularis, latissimus, and neck musculature​​

• Gentle rib springing, joint play, and passive mobilization to the thoracic spine if no contraindications

• Hot hydrotherapy (over tight muscles only) and careful postural cuing or proprioceptive facilitation

• Progressive strengthening of mid-back muscles. Coordinate with physical therapy or exercise programs for postural retraining.​

Self Care

• Regular postural exercises and stretching routines for the chest, shoulders, and upper back

• Practice thoracic extension with a foam roller or towel roll placed vertically along the spine​

• Self-massage to anterior shoulder and chest muscles, and diaphragmatic breathing for rib mobility

• Take frequent breaks from desk work and avoid slouched sleeping positions

• Strengthen rhomboids, mid-trapezius, and extensors; incorporate postural cues during daily activity