Upper Back Pain Massage Therapy in Calgary, AB
We help Calgary clients relieve upper back pain caused by posture, stress, and overuse, without relying on pills or cookie-cutter massage. Our orthopedic approach gets to the root of shoulder blade, trapezius, and thoracic tension so you can move freely again.
Why Your Upper Back Keeps Hurting
Many clients believe the source of their upper back pain is the rhomboid or upper trapezius, because that’s where the pain lives. But often the real problem lies deeper: the splenius capitis, semispinalis, or stiff fascial lines below the shoulder blade. At Orthosports Calgary, our Certified Manual Osteopaths use cross‑fiber friction, fascial release, and posture correction to reach those hidden trigger points and restore proper motion.
Watch: Sergey Explains the Real Source of Upper Back Pain
In this short video, Orthosports founder Sergey Raiter walks you through the most common muscle imbalances that lead to persistent upper back pain, and how to treat them effectively using targeted friction and fascia work.
What Makes Our Approach Different
- Expert therapist credentials: Lead therapist Sergey Raiter combines athletic experience with advanced manual therapy training.
- Orthopedic focus: We treat the cause of pain, not just the symptom.
- Locally owned & high‑performing: A Calgary‑based clinic near Beltline, not a franchise.
- Precision tools: From joint mobilisations to fascia work, every technique is selected based on your specific assessment.
- Result‑driven recovery: We guide you toward long‑term relief, not just one off sessions.
Common Conditions We Treat
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Desk‑posture strain / tech neck
Manual techniques are chosen: fascia release, cross‑fiber friction, joint mobilisation or deep tissue.
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Shoulder‑blade pain & trigger points
knotted areas below your scapula causing stiffness or radiating discomfort.
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Postural dysfunction from vehicle or winter use
Calgary’s cold climate and gear‑hauling exacerbate thoracic tension.
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Overhead‑weighting trauma or sport strain
swimmers, hockey players, lifters who develop rotator‑cuff compensation or upper back fatigue.
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Chronic upper back stiffness
ongoing tightness that limits turning, breathing, or overhead reach.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Every session begins with a detailed intake to understand your training history, lifestyle, and pain patterns. Then:
- Manual techniques are chosen: fascia release, cross‑fiber friction, joint mobilisation or deep tissue.
- You’ll get expert guidance on posture correction and at‑home mobility drills.
Wear comfortable clothing. Some pressure may be firm, but you’ll always be consulted. Mild soreness in treated areas may occur, but most clients feel improved mobility within 24–48 hours and notice performance benefits within a few sessions.
Your Local Calgary Advantage
Looking for “upper back pain massage near Beltline Calgary” or “massage therapist near Stampede Park”?
Our clinic is conveniently located at 205- 222 58 AVE SW, Calgary, AB, T2H 2S3, just steps from Stampede Park, walkable from 17th Ave SW, and easily accessible from Mission, Inglewood, and Downtown. Free parking and Calgary Transit access make scheduling easy, whether you’re after a post‑shift treatment or early weekend recovery.
📍 Address: 205- 222 58 AVE SW, Calgary, AB, T2H 2S3
📞 Call: (403) 984-9962
No More Sore Neck, Shoulders or Hips!
Before I saw Sergey, I had multiple issues and was starting to wonder if I was ever going to be pain-free. I started feeling better after the first one-hour session and continued to improve with each successive treatment. Sergey is the therapist anyone should see if they are serious about recovery from pain!
Pain-Free After Two Visits
I went to see Sergey Raiter with back pain. Within one visit I was feeling good enough that I could sleep without waking in pain. After two visits I was pain-free. After three visits I felt better than I have in years. Sergay’s knowledge of massage therapy and the human muscle network is incredible. I highly recommend his skill set to anybody.
Treatments That Truly Get to the Root of the Issue
Sergey’s massages are unlike any other I’ve experienced. After having one appointment with him, I was hooked and couldn’t return to any other therapists. His treatments truly get to the root of the issue, to the extent that I don’t really need to see him often. His massages are for people looking to work through issues and get rid of them, not so much for relaxation. I highly recommend him if you’re looking for someone who understands the body, assesses your situation at the start of every massage appointment, and works to address the root cause of a problem.
Sergey Clearly Stands Out
Not all massage therapists are created equally – and Sergey is clearly one that stands out. Excellent technique and abilities. Loved the full assessment prior to getting started. Highly recommend.
FAQs About Upper Back Pain Massage
What causes upper back pain around the shoulder blades and neck?
Tightness in the upper back often feels like it’s coming from the rhomboids or traps, but the real issue is usually deeper, like the splenius capitis, semispinalis, or even the supraspinatus. These small stabilizing muscles get overworked by poor posture, stress, or repetitive strain. At Orthosports Calgary, we assess the root cause before targeting it with precise manual therapy.
Does massage help with chronic upper back pain?
Yes, especially when it’s more than just a relaxation massage. Our orthopedic massage technique uses deep, cross-fiber friction and fascial work to release tight muscles and improve circulation. Many clients notice major pain relief after just a few sessions.
What’s different about your upper back pain treatments in Calgary?
We don’t just “rub where it hurts.” Our lead therapist, Sergey Raiter, combines orthopedic assessment and manual therapy to target the real source of pain, often deeper muscles like the semispinalis, splenius capitis, or supraspinatus. It’s a sports medicine–inspired approach that’s rare in typical massage clinics.
Is this like deep tissue massage for shoulder and upper back tension?
It goes deeper than most deep tissue sessions. We use orthopedic massage techniques that are goal-specific, designed to break up adhesions, reduce nerve compression, and restore functional movement. If you’ve tried general deep tissue massage before without long-term results, our approach may be exactly what you need.
I work a desk job in Calgary, can this help with upper back tension?
Absolutely. Desk posture is one of the most common causes of upper back and neck pain in our clients. We target postural imbalances and chronically tight areas from prolonged sitting, then give you tips to prevent flare-ups between sessions.
Can you treat tight traps and shoulder blade pain?
Yes. But we also go deeper. While trap and rhomboid tightness may feel like the problem, the real source is often the semispinalis or deep neck stabilizers. Our hands-on assessments help identify the true cause, so you get lasting relief, not just temporary loosening.
Do you treat athletes or active people with upper back pain?
Yes. We work with hockey players, CrossFit athletes, gym-goers, and even musicians who deal with chronic shoulder and upper back tension. Whether it’s from training or repetitive strain, we’ll tailor the treatment to your performance goals.
How many sessions will I need to fix upper back pain?
It depends on the severity and what’s causing the issue. Some clients feel relief in 1–2 sessions; others with chronic tension or postural issues may need 10+ sessions plus maintenance. We’ll give you a clear plan after the first visit.
Can I book online for upper back pain massage in Calgary?
Yes! You can book directly through our website. Just choose an orthopedic or sports massage session and mention your upper back pain in the notes, we’ll take care of the rest.
We help you manage chronic pain. Faster!
Orthosports can help get you fixed up.
