Hey Thomas,
I really love cupping over these areas. If palpation / compression is noxious give it distraction. This is most likely residual irritation of the anterior emergent point of the anterior primary rami. I would assess the lateral emergent point as well near the mid axillary line. Cupping or gentle skin stretching at this area should work well in these thinner areas.
For needling, I would trace back and needle the associated thoracic paravertebral level (posterior primary rami).
