Physiotherapeutic measures
In order to improve the symptoms in the long term, it is first necessary to make a precise diagnosis. The different causes of rib pain require different treatment approaches. For organic diseases, physiotherapeutic treatment is not the first choice, although physiotherapy can certainly support the rest of the therapy.
Nevertheless, a medical diagnosis should be carried out, with medication if necessary. To maintain healthy respiratory function, techniques for respiratory therapy and connective tissue mobilization can be applied. In the case of acute movement restrictions, e.g. a blockage of a rib joint, the blockage is manually released in the therapy.
Subsequently, detonating techniques can be applied to relax the muscles. Exercises that can be performed by the patient himself are mobilizing exercises that can be well combined with breathing: In chronic pain, e.g. due to poor posture, shortened muscle groups must be stretched and weak muscles strengthened. A training plan based on the findings is individually adapted to the patient.
- Shoulder circles to the back loosen the chest muscles and make our ribcage and thoracic spine slightly straighter.
- Rotational exercises can also be performed. The patient sits on a stool, grabs the left lower leg with his right hand and gently leans forward, with the inhalation the arm opens and is stretched far to the right above the head, the gaze follows the hand, the upper body straightens up and turns with the arm slightly to the right side. With the exhalation you go back to the starting position.
The exercise can be performed 15-20 times per side in 3-4 sets. It trains the erection as well as the rotation of the thoracic spine. If it is to be used for strengthening, a Theraband can serve as an aid.
Summary
Pain in the ribs can have different causes. Also depending on the localization, certain conclusions can be drawn. The treatment is findings-oriented.
In case of organ-dependent complaints, medical care is necessary. Respiratory therapy and thoracic mobilization can be used. In the case of orthopaedically caused pain in the ribs, a distinction is made between acute and chronic complaints.
Acute pain is usually caused by a blockage or acute tension and can be treated by relaxation and mobilization techniques. Chronic pain is usually caused by poor posture or similar. Cause, a more protracted therapy is carried out, in which the muscular balance is to be restored and a specific posture correction is carried out.
