Injection

What is the Condition?

The thoracic spine is the middle section of the spine located in the upper back. It contains small joints called facet joints, which help stabilise the vertebrae and guide movement.

A thoracic facet injection is a procedure where medication is injected into these joints to reduce inflammation and pain. The injection typically contains:

• Local anaesthetic – provides temporary pain relief
• Corticosteroid – reduces inflammation in the joint

This treatment helps relax surrounding muscles, reduce stiffness, and improve movement in the upper back.

However, injections only reduce symptoms temporarily. Physiotherapy is needed to treat the underlying cause of the pain.

Causes

Thoracic facet joint pain can occur due to several conditions affecting the upper spine.

Common causes include:

• Trauma or injury to the upper back
• Repetitive mechanical stress on the spine
• Poor posture during work or daily activities
• Arthritis or degeneration of spinal joints
• Muscle imbalances around the upper back and shoulders

These conditions can irritate the facet joints and surrounding muscles, causing upper back pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms related to thoracic facet joint irritation may include:

• Pain in the upper back
• Pain around the shoulder blades
• Chest or rib discomfort related to spinal movement
• Stiffness in the upper back
• Muscle tightness or spasms
• Difficulty with twisting or extending the upper spine

After the injection, it is normal to experience mild soreness at the injection site.

Pain relief usually begins within 3–5 days.

What Should I Do?

After receiving a thoracic facet injection, it is important to allow the medication time to work while gradually returning to movement.

Recommended steps include:

• Resting for the first 24 hours
• Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity initially
• Starting physiotherapy soon after the injection
• Gradually returning to normal daily activities

Physiotherapy helps maximise the benefits of the injection and prevent recurrence of pain.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy following a thoracic facet injection focuses on restoring movement, strength, and posture.

At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapists create a personalised rehabilitation programme based on your symptoms and functional goals.

Early Stage Rehabilitation

The first phase focuses on reducing pain and gently restoring movement.

Treatment may include:

• Ice or heat therapy
• Gentle active and passive range-of-motion exercises
• Soft tissue massage to relax muscles
• Pain management advice
• Guidance on safe movement and positioning

Intermediate Rehabilitation

Once pain begins to improve, physiotherapy progresses to strengthening and mobility exercises.

Treatment may include:

• Continued range-of-motion exercises
• Stretching exercises for tight muscles
• Joint mobilisation techniques to reduce stiffness
• Aerobic conditioning such as walking, swimming, or cycling
• Ergonomic advice for work and home activities

Advanced Rehabilitation

In the later stages of recovery, physiotherapy focuses on strengthening and functional movement.

Treatment may include:

• Core and upper back strengthening exercises
• Functional training for daily activities
• Continued aerobic exercise for fitness
• Stretching to maintain mobility
• Activity-specific rehabilitation

Long-Term Rehabilitation

The final stage focuses on preventing recurrence and maintaining spinal health.

Treatment may include:

• Postural correction exercises
• Advanced strengthening programmes
• Self-management strategies
• Safe return to recreational and sporting activities

Physiotherapy helps restore confidence and independence in daily movement.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

After a thoracic facet injection, certain activities should be avoided.

Avoid:

• Heavy lifting immediately after the injection
• Sudden or forceful upper back movements
• Poor posture for prolonged periods
• Ignoring persistent upper back pain
• Returning to strenuous activities too quickly

Following physiotherapy advice helps prevent further injury.

Long-Term Effects or Recovery

Thoracic facet injections can reduce inflammation and relieve pain temporarily, but they do not treat the underlying cause.

Physiotherapy helps:

• Strengthen muscles supporting the spine
• Improve posture and spinal alignment
• Restore normal movement patterns
• Prevent recurring upper back pain

With proper rehabilitation, many patients return to pain-free daily activities and improved upper back function.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports, we provide expert physiotherapy treatment for spinal conditions and upper back pain.

Our physiotherapy approach includes:

• Detailed spinal and posture assessments
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Manual therapy and mobility techniques
• Strengthening and stability exercises
• Long-term injury prevention strategies

Our goal is to help patients reduce pain, improve movement, and safely return to their normal lifestyle.

Book Appointment

If you have received a thoracic facet injection and need physiotherapy rehabilitation, the team at ACE Physio Sports can help.

Website https://acephysiosport.com

Phone / WhatsApp +65 81535374

Email admin@acephysiosport.com

Book your physiotherapy appointment today and begin your upper back rehabilitation programme.