Rib Fracture, Subluxated Rib
After a rib fracture or subluxed ribs, chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists can help to manage your pain and promote healing. Here’s how they may help:
- Chiropractors: They may use spinal manipulation techniques to help relieve any pain or discomfort in your rib area. They may also use soft tissue techniques and exercises to improve your posture and reduce the risk of future rib injuries.
- Osteopaths: They may use manual techniques such as gentle stretching, massage, and joint mobilization to help improve the function of your rib cage, relieve pain, and promote healing.
- Physiotherapists: They may use exercise-based solutions to help improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the rib area. They may also use breathing and chest expansion exercises to improve your lung function, reduce pain, and prevent the development of any respiratory problems.
It’s important to seek a professional assessment from a healthcare provider such as a chiropractor, osteopath, or physiotherapist to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for your condition. With the right care and support, you can make a full recovery from your rib injury and get back to your normal daily activities.
Healing and Recovery After a Rib Fracture or Subluxated Ribs
A rib fracture or subluxated ribs can cause significant discomfort and disrupt your daily activities. Whether you’ve experienced this injury from a fall, accident, or physical exertion, it’s essential to get the right care to manage your pain and promote healing. At PhysioActive, our team of chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists is here to support you on your journey to recovery.
How Rib Injuries Affect Your Breathing and Nervous System
One of the most immediate concerns after a rib injury is its impact on your breathing. The rib cage plays a crucial role in the mechanics of breathing, and when ribs are fractured or misaligned, it can become painful to take deep breaths. This can lead to shallow breathing, which not only reduces oxygen intake but can also increase your risk of complications like pneumonia.
Beyond breathing difficulties, rib injuries can also impact your autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ribs are closely associated with the sympathetic ganglia—clusters of nerve cells that are part of the ANS and are located along the spine. When ribs are fractured or subluxated, they can press on these ganglia, potentially leading to alterations in the ANS.
The ANS controls many of your body’s involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and stress response. Pressure on the sympathetic ganglia can disrupt these functions, leading to symptoms like increased heart rate, digestive issues, or heightened stress and anxiety. This is why it’s so important to address rib injuries not just for the pain they cause, but for their potential impact on your overall health.
How Chiropractors Can Help
Chiropractors specialize in the alignment and function of your spine and musculoskeletal system. After a rib injury, they may use spinal manipulation techniques to help relieve pain and discomfort in the affected area. By ensuring that your spine and ribs are properly aligned, chiropractors can help reduce the pressure on injured ribs, alleviating pain and supporting the healing process.
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may also use soft tissue techniques to release tension in the surrounding muscles. This can improve your posture, reduce strain on your ribs, and lower the risk of future injuries. Chiropractors may also recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around your ribs, further promoting recovery and preventing re-injury.
How Osteopaths Can Help
Osteopaths take a holistic approach to healing, focusing on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. After a rib fracture or subluxation, osteopaths may use gentle manual techniques such as stretching, massage, and joint mobilization to improve the function of your rib cage. These techniques can help relieve pain, restore mobility, and promote circulation, all of which are crucial for healing.
Osteopathic treatment is particularly beneficial for addressing the overall function of your rib cage and thoracic spine. By improving the movement and flexibility of your ribs, osteopaths can help reduce pain and discomfort, making it easier for you to breathe and move without restriction.
How Physiotherapists Can Help
Physiotherapists focus on restoring your strength, flexibility, and overall function after an injury. Following a rib injury, they may design an exercise-based treatment plan that includes specific exercises to improve the strength and mobility of your rib area. This can help you regain your range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Breathing exercises are also a key component of physiotherapy for rib injuries. These exercises help expand your chest and improve lung function, which can reduce pain and prevent respiratory problems that sometimes arise after rib injuries. By improving your lung capacity and chest mobility, physiotherapy can also help you avoid complications such as pneumonia or reduced lung function.
Why Professional Assessment and Treatment Are Important
If you’ve suffered a rib fracture or subluxated ribs, it’s essential to seek a professional assessment from a healthcare provider. Chiropractors, osteopaths, and physiotherapists each bring unique skills and perspectives to your treatment, ensuring that you receive comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.
With the right care and support, you can make a full recovery from your rib injury. At PhysioActive, we’re committed to helping you heal, reduce your pain, and return to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible. Don’t let a rib injury hold you back—contact us today to start your journey to recovery.
