Understanding Intercostal Muscle Strain
Do you find yourself wincing when you breathe deeply? Feeling tenderness and pain around your ribs? Have you been doing some heavy lifting, or even heavy coughing lately? You might be dealing with an intercostal muscle strain. If you’re experiencing this discomfort, our osteopaths at Radius Osteopathic are here to help. Call us at 93794151 to book an appointment today.
An intercostal strain occurs when the muscles between the ribs are stretched or torn. This type of musculoskeletal condition can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting your ability to breathe deeply, twist your torso, or even lie down comfortably.
Causes of Strain
Overexertion
Trauma
Repetitive Movements
Differentiating Strain from Bone Fracture
It’s crucial to distinguish between a strain and a fracture, as the management and treatment can differ significantly. While both conditions share similar symptoms, a bone fracture typically involves a more intense and localised pain, especially when pressing on the affected area.
Osteopathic Management of Intercostal Muscle Strain
Osteopathic manual therapy for intercostal strains focuses on targeted techniques to alleviate pain and facilitate healing. Through precise soft tissue massage, osteopaths aim to release tension in the intercostal muscles surrounding the ribs, promoting improved blood circulation and aiding in the reduction of inflammation.
Additionally, joint mobilisation techniques are employed to enhance the mobility of the rib joints themselves, thereby alleviating stiffness and discomfort. These manipulations are performed gently and specifically, taking into account the delicate nature of the chest.
To support overall recovery, a tailored exercise regimen is recommended. This will likely include breathing exercises to expand lung capacity and reduce pain. Core strengthening exercises play a crucial role in stabilising the rib cage and supporting the surrounding muscles. And a regime of stretching exercises that specifically target the intercostal muscles will enhance flexibility and prevent further strain.
Beyond manual therapy and exercise, osteopaths provide practical guidance on lifestyle adjustments and ergonomic improvements. This may involve modifying activities to avoid aggravating the injury and ensuring ergonomic setups that promote healthy posture and movement patterns in daily life.
By combining these treatments and holistic approaches, our osteopaths address the specific needs of rib sprains, aiming to expedite healing, reduce pain, and restore full functionality.
Conclusion
Intercostal muscle strain can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right osteopathic management, you can achieve relief and return to your regular activities.