If you have ever had a rib out of place, you know how painful the condition is. Bluntly put, an out-of-place rib will hurt like hell. You may find it painful to lay on the injured side, painful to reach for something, and even painful to breathe.
You may feel rib pain as chest pain, upper back pain, side pain, or neck pain with the inability to turn your head to one side. This article provides information on how physical therapy can help heal rib pain.
What Does It Mean To Have A Rib Out Of Place?
Most doctors agree that it’s extremely unlikely to experience rib dislocation. But it becomes a possibility for people who suffer from genetic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). EDS is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that causes a defect in the structure of collagen in the body. Joint dislocation becomes quite common in people who suffer from EDS.
The human body has 12 ribs with varying amounts of stability. Ribs 1 to 7 are “true ribs” and are connected to the sternum or breastbone. On the other hand, ribs 8 to 10 are considered “false ribs” because they are connected only to the cartilage in the front. Ribs 11 and 12 are known as “floating ribs” since they are only connected to the thoracic spine and float in space. Ribs 8 to 12 are associated with cases of “slipping rib syndrome.” On the other hand, the connection of ribs in patients with EDS is more unstable than the average person.
How Does The Injury Occur?
Rib dislocation means the rib completely separates from the joint. The 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs are not directly connected to the sternum, and hypermobility increases the risk of slipping of these ribs. The condition is more common in athletes who engage in contact sports than in other people. Rib dislocation can also be caused by injury or trauma.
What To Do If You Think Your Rib Is Out Of Place?
Medically speaking, you have nothing to do other than taking pain medications. You may put ice on the area to relieve pain. Rib fractures can lead to lung infections. Hence, you should breathe deeply to avoid pneumonia. Physical therapy can be extremely helpful for conditions like this.
How Physical Therapy Can Help With The Healing Process
When you are experiencing rib dislocation, there are a few things that you could do to minimize the pain associated with the condition. Slow and controlled breathing for pain management, using heat to relax muscle spasms, and gently massaging the area are some of these methods.
A qualified physical therapist may assist you with taping techniques, muscle energy techniques, gentle joint mobilization, and more. These methods will be followed with stabilization exercises that are aimed at preventing recurrence. On the other hand, training of the diaphragm for better, more effective breathing is also important.
Custom Rehab Physical Therapy is your trusted physical therapy clinic in Chubbuck, ID. Call us today to schedule a FREE Consultation with a licensed Physical Therapist in Chubbuck & Pocatello: (208) 417-0011.