Understanding Intercostal Muscle Strain and Osteopathic Management

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 The Osteopath are here to help. Call us at 07 5451 1599 to book an appointment today. Our team of health professionals is ready to assist you in managing your musculoskeletal conditions.

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.

Overexertion: Lifting heavy objects, intense coughing, or strenuous exercise can lead to strain.

Trauma: Direct impacts to the chest area, such as those from sports injuries or accidents, can cause damage.

Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve repetitive twisting or reaching can strain the intercostal muscles over time.

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.

If you suspect a fracture, seek medical attention immediately. Our clinic offers comprehensive assessments to determine the nature of your injury and provide appropriate treatment.

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.

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. Our clinic provides personalised care to help you recover from a muscle strain and other musculoskeletal issues. Contact us today at 07 5451 1599 to make an appointment. We look forward to helping you on your journey to recovery.

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Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.

References:

Gasnick, K. (2022, January 18. What is an Intercostal Muscle Strain? [Online] Available at https://www.verywellhealth.com/intercostal-muscle-strain-5209432. Accessed on 12/06/2024.