Physiotherapy Services
Back & Neck pain
Peripheral joints and soft tissue disorders like frozen shoulder,
tennis elbow, sprained knee or ankle and plantar fascia
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Neurological Rehabilitation
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Mr. Calson Leung
- Over 10 years of experience in private clinic
and fitness industry
- Specialized in therapeutic exercise and sport rehabilitation
- Registered Physiotherapist (HK)
- Master of Science in Healthcare (Physiotherapy)
- Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, NSCA
It is all about the thoracic spine and rib cage
By Registered physiotherapist & certified strength and conditioning specialist, Calson Leung
Thoracic spine and rib cage are designed to protect the vital organs like heart and lungs. Their stability is crucial. A stiff thoracic spine however can affect the shoulder, neck and low back easily. Unfortunately, our daily habits make us all prone to develop a kyphotic posture and stiffened up our thoracic spine and rib cage.

It is well understood that shoulder blades rest on the rib cage and hence shoulder mobility is closely tied to thoracic and rib cage mobility. People with poor thoracic extension often present with impingement over the shoulder. Therefore, improving thoracic spine mobility will also improve shoulder mechanics. Just imagine you are going to flex the shoulder while sitting in a slouched posture and you will definitely experience limited motion and possibly discomfort or pain as you raise the arm. Conversely, forward shoulder flexion with an extended thoracic spine clears the subacromial space allowing the glenohumeral joint to move freely.

Here are two exercises good for mobilizing the thoracic spine and rib cage. It in turn will relieve shoulder impingement as well as neck and back pain.
  • Upper back extension over foam roller: Interlock the fingers behind the head, knees bent at 90 with feet and glut flat on the floor. Do the upper back extension while maintaining the curvature over the lumbar spine and activating the core muscle.
  • Shoulder flexion with tennis ball: Same set-up position as previous exercise with a pair of tennis ball underneath the thoracic spine. Alternately raising and lowering the arms while maintaining lumbar lordosis.

If you have any question about the heel pain, please feel free to contact our physiotherapist, Mr. Calson Leung at calsonleung@gmail.com.
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