Therapy
The therapy of a rib contusion is conservative. In medicine, this means treatment with drugs and/or physical measures such as physiotherapy. In the beginning, cooling the affected area helps to reduce the pain and swelling, and cooling in time can also improve the further course of the disease.
In addition, common painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac are administered. Since the protective layer of the stomach is attacked during prolonged use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, additional stomach protection should be prescribed. The effect of the often recommended gels or creams containing painkillers is controversial.
It is questionable whether the analgesic even reaches the site of action through the skin barrier or whether the dose is high enough to reach it. Often the cooling effect of the gel or even the feeling of having done something about the pain by applying it helps. A pack of ice, wrapped in a towel, is especially effective in the first hours and days.
The ice should never be applied directly to the skin, as it can cause cold burns that are very painful. Cooling breaks of half an hour between applications should be observed. Cool, moist towels will also help.
In the first few days we advise against using heat. In the later course, however, heat can loosen muscle tensions. Massages by trained physiotherapists also contribute to improvement.
Even if ice pads and painkillers make you feel better, you should avoid sports or other heavy exercise for the next few weeks, as this will cause a worse and prolonged course of the disease. Physical rest is the most important thing as long as the pain persists. The carrying of heavy objects or persons should also be avoided.
It should be discussed with the doctor when is the right time for physical activity. Initially it is difficult to maintain normal deep breathing due to the pain. However, this is especially important, because breathing too shallowly causes insufficient ventilation of the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia.
For this reason, it is no longer necessary to use bandages that constrict the lungs in the case of a rib contusion. In this context, it is therefore advisable to take painkillers both to relieve the pain and to enable sufficiently deep breathing.It does not make sense to abstain from painkillers, as the risk of contracting pneumonia increases when breathing gently. If the rib bruising is particularly severe, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist who will help you with the correct breathing technique. As a contusion of the ribs due to pain often makes it difficult to sleep, it is advisable not to sleep on the bruised side. The position can be supported by one or more large pillows, so that you do not accidentally lie on the painful side even at night.