Hyperkyphosis Massage

A Hyperkyphosis Massage is a targeted manual therapy approach for addressing excessive curvature of the thoracic spine, commonly presenting as a rounded upper back with accompanying postural and muscular imbalances. This massage aims to increase mobility, alleviate muscular discomfort, and promote healthy alignment in those affected by hyperkyphosis.​

Signs & Symptoms

  • Rounded or hunched thoracic spine (“dowager’s hump”)

  • Protracted scapulae and forward head posture

  • Upper back and neck pain or stiffness

  • Reduced thoracic spine flexibility and range of motion

  • Potential breathing difficulties in severe cases due to restricted thoracic cavity

  • Weakness in upper back extensor muscles; tightness in pectorals and anterior shoulders.​

Contraindications

  • Avoid aggressive mobilization if vertebral osteoporosis or compression fractures are present

  • Do not apply deep pressure on areas of acute inflammation or nerve impingement

  • Caution with elderly clients or those with advanced spinal degeneration

  • If active infection, malignancy, or systemic illness is present, delay massage

  • Avoid postural correction techniques during acute injury phase.​

Assessment

  • Visual recognition of thoracic kyphosis (excessive thoracic convexity)

  • Palpate for muscle hypertonicity and trigger points in pectorals, intercostals, upper back, and neck

  • Assess range of motion in thoracic extension, shoulder protraction, and scapular movement

  • Evaluate aligned head, scapula, and thoracic spine posture

  • Orthopedic assessment: measure kyphosis angle and contracture patterns (commonly with flexicurve or inclinometer).​

Treatment

  • Use myofascial release, muscle stripping, petrissage, and ischemic compressions to target tight upper thoracic and anterior shoulder muscles

  • Gentle mobilization and rib springing to hypomobile thoracic vertebrae and ribs

  • Stretch shortened muscles (pectorals, intercostals, anterior neck muscles)

  • Strengthen weak upper back and posterior shoulder muscles (rhomboids, mid trapezius, erector spinae)

  • Facilitate diaphragmatic release and treat related postural compensation (often neck and jaw)

  • Modalities such as heat prior to release work, and postural retraining during therapy session.​

Self Care

  • Practice postural awareness and regular stretching breaks, especially for those with sedentary habits

  • Avoid sleeping in a curled position; use supportive pillows as needed

  • Daily diaphragmatic breathing exercises to improve thoracic expansion

  • Strengthening routines for rhomboids, mid trapezius, deep neck flexors, and spinal extensors

  • At-home self-massage to shoulder protractors and upper back muscles

  • Combine massage with exercises from physical therapy for long-term posture improvement.