How long is the total healing time? | Sport after a rib fracture

How long is the total healing time?

The healing time depends on the severity of the injury. In simple rib fractures, there is no dislocation of the bone ends and no injury to the lungs. Often the rib has only one crack.

These injuries are treated conservatively and usually heal within four to six weeks. Severe rib fractures or serial rib fractures involving several ribs can lead to a dislocation of the bone ends. In these cases, the bone ends have shifted so that they can no longer be joined together.

In addition, this often results in lung injury. In this case an operation is necessary. Accordingly, the healing time is often longer, about 12 weeks.

These figures refer to healing processes without complications. If sport is started too early or if there is delayed bone healing, the healing period can be delayed. Factors such as age, osteoporosis and overweight also delay the healing process.

What can I do so that I can do sports faster again?

It is important in the case of a rib fracture not to start too early with sports. This can lead to further fractures and delay healing. In the beginning, the highest priority is to take it easy so that the bone can heal undisturbed.

Not only sports should be avoided, but also heavy, physical work, such as heavy lifting. After the acute phase, the pain is also relieved. Young and athletic people often have faster bone healing, so that they may be able to start sports earlier.

However, this should only be done after consultation with a doctor or a physiotherapist. With the physiotherapist, exercises can be worked out in order to gradually start with the physical activity. Important here are exercises for breathing, for the back, for stretching and light strengthening exercises such as knee bends etc. During the healing process, a healthy diet with plenty of calcium should be followed to promote bone healing.

Kinesio-Tapering

Kinesio tapes are tapes that are stuck to the skin with a slight tension along the muscles and tendons. This tension builds up a slight pull and promotes blood circulation.They also relieve pain and improve lymph drainage. Kinesio-Taping is not one of the standard applications for rib fractures, as they are used more for muscle and tendon disorders.

However, in the case of a broken rib, they can also support the healing process and can help to accelerate it. Due to the increased blood circulation, important nutrients are better transported to the injury. Tapes also provide increased stability, which can be an advantage especially in the case of a rib fracture.

In addition, they can be a support for breathing if it is impaired by the broken rib. In the future, they can also help prevent further rib fractures through their stability. For correct use, however, kinesio tapes should be applied by an expert, physiotherapist or doctor. Tapes can also be kept on while showering and can also be worn during sports.