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Thoracic and Rib Dysfunction Treatment in Singapore

Thoracic and rib dysfunction can cause pain, stiffness, and breathing difficulties. Thoracic and rib pain often affects women during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause due to hormonal and postural changes. At Calyx, we specialise in women’s health physiotherapy, providing targeted treatment to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support better breathing.

What Is Thoracic and Rib Dysfunction?

Thoracic and rib dysfunction can present as chest or upper back pain. It involves stiffness, misalignment, or irritation in the middle spine and rib joints. This condition often results from poor posture, repetitive movements, or biomechanical imbalances common during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or extended sitting.

Is This Safe for Me?

Yes. Physiotherapy for thoracic and rib dysfunction is safe, gentle, and always tailored to your current health and life stage.

Who Should Consider Thoracic and Rib Dysfunction Treatment?

Women with sharp or aching mid-back pain, difficulty taking deep breaths, rib pain during pregnancy, or stiffness from long hours of desk work may benefit from assessment and treatment.

  • Do I Need a Referral?

    No referral is needed. You can book directly with us online or over the phone. If required, we’ll liaise with your GP or specialist.

  • Is it still worth getting treatment if the leaking is mild?

    Active infections, recent trauma such as fractures, or untreated osteoporosis may require medical clearance before starting physiotherapy. We always assess carefully and will refer you to a doctor or relevant specialist if we have any concerns.

Book your session now

Symptoms and Signs You May Benefit from Thoracic Pain and Rib Dysfunction Treatment

Common signs include:

  • Pain between shoulder blades that worsens with posture or upper body activity
  • Difficulty breathing deeply due to rib cage tightness
  • Rib pain during pregnancy caused by hormonal changes and rib flaring
  • Pain triggered by coughing, sneezing, or twisting
  • Musculoskeletal chest pain that is sharp or aching

These symptoms may be related to posture, core weakness, breathing pattern dysfunction, or rib cage restrictions. They can also be influenced by pregnancy-related changes, postural strain from newborn care, or unaddressed tension in the thoracic spine and diaphragm.

What Happens During Your Calyx Session

Your session will include a full assessment, targeted treatment, movement guidance, and a clear plan to support ongoing recovery.

  • Will There Be an Internal or External Assessment?

    Assessment is fully external, focusing on spinal mobility, rib motion, posture, and breathing patterns.

  • Do I Need to Prepare or Bring Anything?

    Wear loose, comfortable clothing. If you are pregnant, bring any prenatal records or support belts you use. You’re also encouraged to bring along any relevant scans or medical reports for review.

  • What Happens After the Session?

    You’ll receive a personalised plan that may include exercises, lifestyle advice, and follow-up session recommendations.

Techniques and Tools We May Use

  • Gentle thoracic joint mobilisation
  • Rib mobilisation and breathing retraining
  • Myofascial release and soft tissue work
  • Postural cueing and ergonomic coaching
  • Taping techniques for rib support
  • Breathing and core activation exercises

  • Is It Painful or Uncomfortable?

    Most techniques are gentle and adapted to your pain threshold. Patients often describe immediate relief, not pain.

  • How We Ensure Safety in Each Method

    Our physiotherapists specialise in women’s health and follow strict safety protocols, especially during pregnancy and postpartum.

Your Progress and Results Over Time

  • How Soon Will I See Improvement?

    Improvement varies based on symptoms, treatment response, and exercise consistency. After assessment, your physiotherapist will outline a realistic timeline and set clear expectations for progress

  • How Often Will I Need Sessions?

    Treatment usually starts with 1 to 2 sessions per week. Duration varies by condition and response. We tailor frequency to your needs, balancing hands-on care and self-management to find the best approach for you.

  • Will I Need Maintenance Visits?

    After recovery, our goal is for you to manage your condition independently. We’re here whenever you need support. For women who are pain-free, we offer preventive care through one-to-one sessions or our Recalibrate By Calyx programme to optimise posture, movement, and strength.

  • What Do I Need to Do at Home?

    We’ll guide you through tailored exercises, posture corrections, and breathing drills to do at home. These play a key role in long-term improvement.

Why Women Trust Calyx for Thoracic and Rib Dysfunction

We specialise in women’s musculoskeletal health, offering safe and tailored care that addresses the unique causes of thoracic and rib pain.

Are Sessions Covered by Insurance or Medisave?

Coverage for musculoskeletal physiotherapy varies by insurer and plan. Please check with your provider. We’re happy to provide detailed invoices to support any claims.

What Makes Calyx Different?

Female-led team with women's physiotherapy expertise. Safe, non-invasive methods tailored to each life stage. Evidence-based treatment that prioritises comfort and long-term results. Personalised guidance and ongoing support between sessions.

How Much Does It Cost?

We offer transparent session-based pricing. See price list.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

You don’t need to live with thoracic or rib pain. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, recovering from strain, or simply seeking better movement, our team is here to help.

Book an appointment or contact us today to begin your journey to comfort and confidence.

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RAJWEEN KAUR
Pilates Instructor

Rajween is a Pilates instructor with a strong academic and clinical foundation in movement, health and rehabilitation. With a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Metabolism and a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology, she approaches movement with a deep understanding of the body as an integrated system.

Her own journey into Pilates began after the birth of her children, where she experienced first-hand how Pilates improved alignment, strengthened her deep core and pelvic floor and complemented strength training and yoga. This experience shaped her passion for supporting women through different life stages.

Rajween is Polestar Pilates trained and certified in pre- and post-natal Pilates. Her teaching style is supportive, personalised and attentive. She works closely with the physiotherapy team to ensure care is aligned and individualised.

  • Polestar Pilates: Certified Comprehensive Instructor (Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table, Barrel, Chair)
  • Art of Motion: Slings Essential
  • Art of Motion: Anatomy Trains
  • Masters in Science, Metabolism & Nutrition, Boston University School of Medicine
  • Bachelors in Science, Life Sciences, Molecular & Cell Biology, National University of Singapore
  • Pre and Postnatal Pilates Specialist (The Centre for Women’s Fitness)
  •  
  • Pregnancy
  • Postpartum
  • Diastasis Recti
  • Strength Training
EZORA WONG
Senior Physiotherapist

Ezora is a certified physiotherapist with over a decade of experience in women’s health, musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. Her current practice focuses on pelvic health and sexual wellness across all stages of a woman’s life. 

Trained in both internal and external pelvic floor assessments and real-time ultrasound, she supports women experiencing pelvic pain, sexual discomfort, or postpartum recovery needs. Fluent in English and Cantonese, Ezora is known for her skilled hands-on approach and her dedication to helping women restore confidence, comfort and connection with their bodies.

  • Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) registered
  • Member of Singapore Physiotherapy Association (SPA)
  • BSc Physiotherapy (Honors, 2i), Trinity College of Dublin, 2014
  • Female Pelvic Health: Advanced Assessment and Management, Physio Skills
  • Level 2A & 2B Women’s Pelvic Health, Australian Physiotherapy Association (2023, 2024)
  • Level 1A & 1B Women’s Health Physiotherapy, Australian Physiotherapy Association (2021, 2022)
  • Dry Needling, OMT
  • Scar Therapy Practitioner
  • Rocktape & Dynamic Tape, Battlewin Tape 
  •  
  • Sexual Health and Wellness
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Scar Massage Therapy
  • Pre and Postnatal care
  • Neck and Shoulder Pain
CHLOE NG
Co-founder, Senior Physiotherapist

Chloe is a dedicated women’s health physiotherapist whose personal and professional journey has shaped her compassionate approach to care. Early in her career, she noticed that many women’s health concerns, including incontinence, painful intercourse and fertility challenges, were often dismissed or left unspoken. This sparked her commitment to specialise in pelvic health and provide women with the support they deserve.

She pursued training in pelvic health assessment and management, and integrates Polestar Pilates principles into her practice to restore functional movement, postural alignment, and overall wellbeing.

Her personal decision to go through two unmedicated births reinforced her belief in the power of education, preparation, and informed support during pregnancy and beyond. 

  • Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) registered
  • Member of Singapore Physiotherapy Association (SPA)
  • BSc Physiotherapy (Honors), Trinity College of Dublin, 2016
  • Functional Fitness for Pregnancy and Postpartum, Brooke Turner
  • Female Pelvic Health: Advanced Assessment and Management, Physio Skills
  • Pelvic Pain and Rectal Courses, Pelvic Health Melbourne
  • Pelvic Health Foundation, Pelvic Health Melbourne
  • Level 1 & 1A Women’s Health Physiotherapy, Australian Physiotherapy Association
  • Polestar Pilates Trained
  • Dry Needling, OMT
  • Spinal Manipulation, OMT
  • Birth Preparation
  • Dyspareunia
  • Endometriosis Management
  • Pre and Postnatal Care
  • Lactation Care
  • Clinical Pilates
CLARE TANG
Co-founder, Senior Physiotherapist

Clare is an experienced physiotherapist specialising in women’s musculoskeletal and pelvic health, focusing on pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and perimenopause. She combines clinical precision with a whole-body approach, integrating hands-on manual therapy and movement strategies tailored to women’s changing needs.

As a twin mum, Clare personally experienced the gaps in postpartum care, which fuels her passion for changing the status quo. As co-founder of Calyx, she champions a preventive physiotherapy model that closes critical gaps between medical care, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

  • Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) registered
  • Member of Singapore Physiotherapy Association (SPA)
  • BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy, First Class Honours, Trinity College Dublin, 2014
  • MSc Rehabilitation Science, University of Melbourne, 2020 (Women’s Health, Health Behaviour Change)
  • Caesarean scar specialist, Restore scar therapy
  • Diastasis Recti Abdominis & The Postpartum Course, Munira Hudani
  • Female Pelvic Health: Advanced Assessment and Management, Physio Skills
  • Dry Needling, GEMT
  • Kinesiotaping Fundamentals and Advanced (KT1 and KT2)
  • DMA Clinical Pilates
  • Postpartum Recovery
  • Caesarian Section Rehabilitation
  • Women’s Musculoskeletal Care
  • Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain
  • Pre and Postnatal Care
  • Preventive Physiotherapy 
  • Perimenopause Management
  • Core Rehabilitation (Pregnancy, Postpartum, Post-Operative)