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Rib pain can have an impact on your quality of life, making tasks like sitting, breathing, sleeping, or even laughing unbearable. It can be painful to lay on the injured side, painful to roll in bed, painful to reach for something. Basically, every movement can hurt.
What causes rib pain?
Rib pain can stem from various causes, including broken or bruised ribs, strained intercostal muscles (the muscles between the ribs), and issues with your thoracic vertebrae which cause rotations of your ribs.
Where do you feel rib pain?
You can get rib pain from traumatic injuries, repetitive movements, or even poor posture. The symptoms of rib pain can be felt in different areas, such as the upper back, chest, neck, or sides. Costochondritis is an irritation of the ribs at the front of the rib cage (chest area). Intercostal strains will be felt on the sides of the ribs and thoracic or rib head (joint) pain will be felt in the back. As an aside two other common causes can be shingles or stress.
What can you do to relieve rib pain?
Rest, ice and medication can help acute and severe rib pain. Physical Therapy, on the other hand, can be extremely helpful. Physical therapy can address the underlying causes of rib pain and promote long-lasting healing. Through gentle manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization, physical therapists can help reduce pain and improve rib mobility. Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can also help improve pain and restore movement. See part 2 for some specific exercises.
Healing and Recovery from Rib Pain
It’s important to set realistic expectations for pain relief and healing. While complete resolution of rib pain may take time, physical therapy treatments can significantly improve your daily life. Physical therapy aims to help you move, breathe, sleep, and function better with less pain. You will work closely with your physical therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals. Each step of the way, your progress will be closely monitored and adjustments will be made as needed to ensure optimal healing and recovery.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
About the author: David Potucek, PT, MSPT, CFMT
David is an orthopedic physical therapist with over 20 years of experience. He is an expert in treating both acute and chronic back pain. He is a former D1 athlete, and currently keeps active with lifting and running.
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