I have constant rib cage pain due to my mild scolioisis. Been going on for over 2 years now, sometimes I can’t feel it, sometimes I can’t go to sleep because of it. My question is, would physical therapy help? I know physical therapy/chiro can help with back pain, but does it do anything for rib cage pain? If not, what can be done to relieve ribcage pain besides pain medication?
#1 by mistify on January 20, 2010 - 12:59 pm
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It’s difficult to assess just based on a description if PT will help or if massage therapy would be “more” beneficial than PT. It requires a clinical examination to see if/how you respond to movements…ie differentiate as to whether it is “muscular” problem or a problem due to abnormal mechanics.
I will say this, however, I would definetely say it is worth an assessment…especially since the focus of PT is to actually show you what to do if the problem should ever arise again. Furthermore, since thorasic pain (rib cage) tends to be more elusive than low back pain or neck pain, I would recommend you see someone who has specific credentialing to treat patients with spinal related diorders. I’d especially recommend someone with a certification in mechanical diagnosis and therapy (go to http://www.mckenziemdt.org ) or someone with a manual therapy certification.
I’ve found many patients with a thorasic pain (rib cage) actually respond quite well.
#2 by Sarah D on January 20, 2010 - 7:04 pm
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Massage therapy would probably help, more than physical therapy, honestly. But chiropractic and massage are wonderful together.
Actually, I shouldn’t say physical therapy wouldn’t help, but it would probably be more painful. I’m just thinking regarding the pain itself, massage would be the best. But look into all three. Maybe even all three together would be the best for you.
And when I say massage, I don’t mean at a spa or something, I mean a real, CLINICAL massage. You might even go to a physical therapist to find out if they have massage at their location, or a Chiropractor. A good MT will not just massage you and send you on your way, but will work with you – figure out the best solution for you personally. They can’t diagnose or tell you “this is what you must do…” but they can make suggestions, such as “if I were you, this is what I’d do….”
But I’d say to look into all three and decide what combination is best for you!