Rib pain

Rib pain can be caused by a strain, such as a sharp twisting movement playing football, which can tear the intercostal muscle between the ribs. More often it is postural and due to stiffness. Sitting at a desk in an awkward posture and for long periods can make the joint between the ribs and the spine stiff. Both these examples are quite different and can be treated by a physio.

Physiotherapy for an intercostal muscle strain will focus on aiding the healing process with advice, stretches and massage. For rib stiffness due to posture, the joints will be mobilised to improve the movement. In this case, advice and exercises are really important in order to change the reason you got pain in the first place. Sometimes this is as simple as having a walk in the day and not working through lunch at your desk!