Bruised ribs can result from a blunt trauma, leading to a painful condition that may affect your breathing. Treatment for bruised ribs can include therapeutic breathing exercises that feature deep breathing techniques. These exercises can help you maintain rib flexibility and lung function as you heal. If you believe you may have bruised ribs, speak to a medical professional immediately for treatment.
Early Breathing
Depending on the severity of your injury, deep breathing early in the treatment process can be difficult. As such, your doctor will recommend deep breathing exercises to be conducted only a few times during the day. One example of an early breathing exercise involves belly breathing. While lying on your back on a flat, smooth surface, place your hands below your rib cage on your torso. Next, take a deep breath while noticing how your stomach expands. Slowly exhale through your mouth, again noticing how your stomach drops. For your next breath, try to duplicate this stomach movement to create the belly breathing motion. Repeat this exercise as often as comfort will allow.
Bellows Breathing
According to D. Rakel and W.B. Saunders writing in "Integrative Medicine" in 2003, the bellows breathing technique is another exercise you can practice at home. While sitting in a comfortable position and your mouth closed, breathe in and out through your nose as fast as you can. These breaths should be full and deep, allowing your lungs to fully inflate. While breathing in this manner, you will feel pressure in the back of your neck, your chest, and abdomen. After 15 seconds, return to normal breathing. This exercise will help to strengthen your lungs, chest, and abdominal muscles.
Diaphragm Breathing
While your diaphragm muscles are used for every breath, exaggerating their movement inside your chest can prove to be helpful with the treatment of bruised ribs. According to the University of Iowa Health System, your diaphragm causes the front lower ribs to flare out during inhalation. To practice this movement, lie on your back with knees bent and supported by pillows. Place your fingers on your belly just below your ribcage to monitor your rib movement. Remain aware of how your belly and chest expand during a deep breath. Keep your breaths full and slow, taking as much as six seconds to complete a full breathing cycle. As your lungs and ribs strengthen, you will eventually complete up to 12 breath cycles without fatigue.
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