Ache or burn beside the shoulder blade
Worse after laptop work or long sitting, and it can spike with a deep breath or rowing.
Upper back and shoulder blade pain is a symptom, and several structures can produce it. Most people describe an ache or burn along the inner edge of the shoulder blade. It often builds through laptop work, flares with a deep breath, or shows up a day or two after pull ups or rowing.
Muscle, joint and nerve sources are all common. Long desk days hold the shoulder blade in one position and overwork the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboids and pec minor. Stiff ribs shift breathing into the neck and chest muscles, adding tension around the shoulder blade. Neck joints and nerves can also refer pain here, and so can trigger points in the rotator cuff.
Treatment uses dry needling, a form of acupuncture. The dorsal scapular nerve passes through the middle scalene in the neck on its way to the levator scapulae and rhomboids. A tight scalene can crowd it. Needling those muscles is meant to free up space for the nerve. The nerve can also stay irritable along the inner border of the shoulder blade. There I add electroacupuncture, setting fine needles beside it with a light current to help shift its signaling.
Common care here includes muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories, massage, posture advice and an X-ray or MRI. Scans are often unremarkable because they don’t show rib stiffness, shoulder blade timing or an irritated nerve. Massage and medication can ease tension for a day without addressing why it returns. Chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy are common next steps, and New York does not permit either profession to dry needle.
I ask how many hours you sit, how your breathing feels, what changed in your training, and which positions bring the pain on. Then the exam:
I work alongside primary care doctors, orthopedists and physical therapists. If a finding suggests one of them should look again, I’ll tell you and share the details.
It can be either, or both. The neck can refer pain here, and so can stiff ribs and trigger points around the shoulder blade. The exam focuses on reproducing your pain to see which source leads.
Imaging rarely shows muscle guarding, trigger points, rib stiffness or a sensitive nerve. Those can cause real pain and limitation even when structure looks fine, and they are what I treat.
Massage works on tension broadly and can help for a day or so. Dry needling reaches the specific trigger points that refer pain, including the neck muscle that can squeeze the nerve to the shoulder blade. When that nerve stays reactive, electroacupuncture is added, so treatment is often a combination of both.
Yes. When the ribs don’t expand well, the neck and upper chest muscles take over breathing and stay busy all day. Restoring rib motion can ease that steady strain on the upper trapezius, scalenes and pec minor.
It depends on how long you’ve had it, your training load and how reactive the pain is. Visits are often closer together at first and then spread out. I base the frequency on how you respond.
Chest pain or pressure, fever, unexplained weight loss or a recent major injury need medical care first. So does arm weakness or numbness that is getting worse. Severe pain at night that doesn’t let up belongs on that list too. If you’re unsure, start with your doctor or urgent care.
Adults with pelvic floor, nerve and orthopedic pain, along with neurological conditions. Most of my patients come to me after other care hasn't fully settled things. If you're looking for general wellness acupuncture, I'm not the right fit.
We review your history and what you've already tried. I assess the muscles and nerves involved, and you're treated the same day.
It depends on the condition. Pelvic and orthopedic plans usually run 4 to 6 weeks. Neurological plans are usually 2 visits a week for 6 weeks or 3 a week for 4. After that, visits space out so the changes hold. These are typical timelines, not promises.
Yes. I work alongside doctors, physical therapists and specialists. If something I find needs a closer look from one of them, I'll tell you.
I'm an out-of-network provider. You pay at the time of your visit, and my office submits the claim so any reimbursement comes to you. Free benefit checks are available before your first visit through the verification form, and HSA and FSA cards work. I don't take Medicare or Medicaid, though some Medicare Advantage plans reimburse out-of-network care. Full insurance details
Yes. I treat adults, teens and children, though I don't specialize in infants or toddlers.
Yes. Book a free discovery call to ask your questions and see whether we're a good fit.
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture. Fine needles go into tight bands of muscle and trigger points to lower muscle tension and change how the area is signaling.
You may feel a brief twitch or a deep ache as the needle reaches tight muscle. It passes quickly, and any soreness afterward usually fades within a day or two.
It's generally safe with a properly trained practitioner. Needles are sterile and single-use, and I check your health history first, including blood thinners. In New York, dry needling can only be performed by licensed acupuncturists, MDs and DOs. Physical therapists and chiropractors aren't permitted to perform it.
Eat something light beforehand and wear loose clothing that lets me reach the area being treated.
Usually not. Ultrasound helps in a few specific cases, but it hasn't been shown to improve results for common trigger points. A careful hands-on exam is what guides the needle. More on ultrasound-guided dry needling
Dry needling aimed at the pelvic floor and the hip and abdominal muscles around it, for pain, tension and urinary symptoms driven by those muscles and their nerves. More on pelvic floor dry needling
Sometimes, depending on the muscles involved, and you'll be draped throughout. Treatment always follows your consent and comfort. I don't do internal exams or internal treatment.
No, though it helps if you've already seen a doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist. Bring any notes or imaging you have.
Completely. I've heard it all, and there's no judgment here, just a straightforward conversation so we can treat what's going on.
Yes, I treat adults of every gender and identity. After gender-affirming surgery involving the pelvis, bring your surgical notes and we'll decide together what fits.
We also offer house calls and after-hours appointments by arrangement.
Private Access & House Calls →Ready when you are.
Limited spots each week — book now to reserve yours.
118 W. 72nd St, Rear Lobby, New York, NY 10023
Evidence-based acupuncture and dry needling on the Upper West Side. From chronic pain and headaches to pelvic floor dysfunction, Dr. Jordan Barber pairs the highest level of training with care that actually listens.
Member Clinic
An independent practice and member of New York Acupuncture Group, sharing clinical space and operations in Manhattan.
This site does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health. Read our full disclaimer.