A broken rib occurs when one of the bones in your ribcage is fractured. Depending on the severity, the fracture can result in internal organ, tendon or muscle damage. Broken rib therapy involves time, gentle exercises and taking breaks from performing everyday activities. Consult with your doctor first because not all therapy techniques might work for you.
Includes Rest
Broken rib therapy needs to first concentrate on giving your ribs the proper amount of resting time to begin the healing process. Becoming physically active before your ribs have properly healed can hinder the healing process and result in further injury. Immediately after your rib injury occurs, rest time includes avoiding any physical activity that causes pain, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Only after pain subsides, can you begin more strenuous movement.
Promote Deep Breathing
Broken ribs affect your ability to efficiently and effortlessly take deep breaths without experiencing pain, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Broken rib therapy needs to include some deep breathing exercises in order to keep your lungs clear and operating properly, which can lower your risks of developing pneumonia. While either lying down on your back or sitting upright in a chair, take a deep breath. Breathe as deeply as possible. Hold this breath for one second. Slowly exhale and empty your lungs. Repeat this exercise throughout the day.
Gently Stretch Shoulders
Broken rib therapy needs to include some gentle mobility exercises that concentrate on restoring your shoulder's range of motion, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Start doing some gentle arm swinging maneuvers known as pendulums, according to the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. Stand upright and gently lean your upper body forward, letting your arms hang freely. Gently move your body so your arms start swinging in small circles. Swing for 30 seconds while breathing normally. Slowly return to the upright position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times.
Restores Arm Mobility
After your ribs have healed enough to allow movement without pain, broken rib therapy needs to concentrate on gently restoring your arm range of motion, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Start using a table as an exercise tool to increase your arm flexibility. Sit facing a table, according to the online physical therapy site of Hep2go. Place your right arm onto the table and gently lean forward as you stretch your arm forward. Breathe normally. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do the exercise again using your left arm.
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