Sprained Rib
A sprained rib—also commonly referred to as a rib subluxation or costovertebral joint strain—occurs when one of the joints connecting the ribs to the spine or sternum becomes irritated, overstretched, or slightly misaligned. Each rib attaches to the thoracic spine through small joints called the costovertebral and costotransverse joints. These joints are supported by ligaments and surrounded by small stabilizing muscles that help the ribcage move smoothly during breathing, rotation, and lifting.
When a rib is strained, the supporting ligaments and muscles become inflamed and overly protective. This causes the surrounding musculature—especially the intercostals, spinal muscles, and serratus muscles—to tighten significantly. Increased resting muscle tone restricts movement of the rib and limits healthy blood flow to the area. Over time, the body responds by laying down excess fascial tissue, further stiffening the ribcage and decreasing joint mobility. This cycle of tension and inflammation can make even simple movements such as deep breathing, bending, or reaching extremely painful.
Often, patients describe a sharp, localized pain along the spine or ribs, discomfort with inhalation, or a sensation of “something catching” in the upper back or side of the chest. In some cases, the irritation can radiate around the ribcage or mimic symptoms of shoulder blade or mid-back dysfunction. Because the thoracic joints rely on movement for nourishment and lubrication, restricted or dysfunctional ribs can leave portions of the joint without adequate nutrition—potentially leading to lingering stiffness or irritation if left untreated.
At Granville Physio, we focus on restoring normal motion to the rib and surrounding tissues. Your therapist can use a combination of manual techniques, gentle mobilization, and targeted exercises to reduce muscle guarding and improve rib mechanics. Shockwave therapy may also be applied to the affected intercostal and spinal muscles to decrease fascial buildup, reduce muscle tone, and re-establish healthy mobility around the irritated joint. By restoring proper rib function, patients often experience a rapid reduction in pain and a return to comfortable breathing and movement.
If a sprained rib is limiting your daily activity or causing persistent discomfort, our team can help guide you toward a smooth and effective recovery.
When a rib is strained, the supporting ligaments and muscles become inflamed and overly protective. This causes the surrounding musculature—especially the intercostals, spinal muscles, and serratus muscles—to tighten significantly. Increased resting muscle tone restricts movement of the rib and limits healthy blood flow to the area. Over time, the body responds by laying down excess fascial tissue, further stiffening the ribcage and decreasing joint mobility. This cycle of tension and inflammation can make even simple movements such as deep breathing, bending, or reaching extremely painful.
Often, patients describe a sharp, localized pain along the spine or ribs, discomfort with inhalation, or a sensation of “something catching” in the upper back or side of the chest. In some cases, the irritation can radiate around the ribcage or mimic symptoms of shoulder blade or mid-back dysfunction. Because the thoracic joints rely on movement for nourishment and lubrication, restricted or dysfunctional ribs can leave portions of the joint without adequate nutrition—potentially leading to lingering stiffness or irritation if left untreated.
At Granville Physio, we focus on restoring normal motion to the rib and surrounding tissues. Your therapist can use a combination of manual techniques, gentle mobilization, and targeted exercises to reduce muscle guarding and improve rib mechanics. Shockwave therapy may also be applied to the affected intercostal and spinal muscles to decrease fascial buildup, reduce muscle tone, and re-establish healthy mobility around the irritated joint. By restoring proper rib function, patients often experience a rapid reduction in pain and a return to comfortable breathing and movement.
If a sprained rib is limiting your daily activity or causing persistent discomfort, our team can help guide you toward a smooth and effective recovery.
