Rib strains can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. They can happen for various reasons including lifting heavy objects, coughing or even sudden movements. Whatever the cause, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. In this blog post, we’ll explore two quick ways to get rid of a rib strain – visiting a physiotherapist or a chiropractor.
1) Physiotherapy:
A physiotherapist is a trained healthcare professional who specializes in treating musculoskeletal injuries. When it comes to rib strains, they will first assess your condition and then develop an individualized treatment plan that may include manual therapy, exercise prescription and pain management techniques. Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques such as massage and joint mobilization that help reduce muscle tension and improve mobility. Exercise prescription will include specific stretches and strengthening exercises that target the affected area. Pain management techniques may include ice or heat therapy to relieve pain.
2) Chiropractic Care:
Chiropractors are doctors of chiropractic medicine who specialize in treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system with an emphasis on the spine. When it comes to rib strains, they will typically use spinal adjustments to restore proper alignment and function of the spine which in turn can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by rib strain. Spinal adjustments are gentle manipulations performed by hand that involve applying controlled force to joints that have become restricted or misaligned.
3) Which one is right for you?
Both physiotherapy and chiropractic care can be effective treatments for rib strains but which one is right for you depends on various factors such as severity of your condition, underlying medical conditions, personal preferences etc. Physiotherapy may be more suitable if your rib strain is caused by overuse or repetitive movements while chiropractic care may be more suitable if your rib strain is caused by poor posture or spinal misalignment.
4) Other Remedies:
Besides physiotherapy and chiropractic care, there are other ways to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by rib strain. These include rest, ice or heat therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen and gentle stretching exercises. It’s important to note that if your rib strain is severe or persistent, you should seek medical attention immediately.
5) Prevention:
Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid getting a rib strain in the first place, it’s important to maintain good posture, warm up before exercising or engaging in physical activity, lift heavy objects with proper technique and avoid sudden movements that can cause injury.
Rib strains can be painful and uncomfortable but they are treatable with the right care. Both physiotherapy and chiropractic care can be effective treatments for rib strains but which one is right for you depends on various factors such as severity of your condition, underlying medical conditions etc. Remember to always seek medical attention if your rib strain is severe or persistent and take steps to prevent it from happening in the future.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Sakshi Rupani, BPT, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
