If you’ve sustained a rib fracture then you know the frustration. Unlike with a broken arm, wrist, leg, ankle and so forth, ribs cannot be put into a cast. Physicians don’t even prescribe compression wraps for rib fractures because they can restrict breathing and may subsequently lead to pneumonia. In some cases compression wraps for fractured ribs can even lead to partial lung collapse. Those hours in an ER or physician waiting room are generally for naught because the verdict is practically always the same – you have to let fractured ribs heal naturally, with time.
Yep, that sucks.
However, as someone who is not content to sit idly by and suffer the pain, discomfort, and annoyance of the injury you’re wondering if physiotherapy for fractured ribs is a good idea. It actually is. Please read ahead to learn more.
Why See a Physiotherapist When Recovering from Fractured Ribs
Can Assist with Pain Management
With no cast or compression wraps to keep everything in place and mitigate pain, you need all of the help you can get to find solace. While there are no physiotherapy treatments for rib fractures, per se, a physiotherapist can still assist with pain management. After a careful examination to identify the focal point of the fracture (it helps if you provide X-rays from your physician) a physiotherapy can help you determine optimal seating, standing, walking, and sleeping positions that will mitigate the activation of pain receptors. They will also inquire about your work and other activities so as to determine optimal movements that can allow you to return to said work and activities in a manner that does not hamper your healing progress, while reducing the potential for pain. Furthermore, as time progresses a physiotherapist can prescribe light exercises and stretches that will help with the pain you feel in the AM after waking, when getting up after sitting stationary for quite some time, and prior to going to bed at night.
Moreover, a physiotherapist will be with you as your ribs are ready to sustain heavier weight loads and more strenuous movements. They will guide you right back to where you were in work, athletics, and activities so that the rib fracture becomes nothing more than a brief (albeit irritating) memory.
Can Assist with Breathing
Breathing can be painful and laborious for someone with fractured ribs. Physiotherapists are trained in a variety of breathing techniques, and will prescribe a regime of breathing exercises that will help you avoid pain while breathing. These exercises will also ensure that you maintain optimal lung expansion which is critical to preventing infection during recovery.
Helps Avoid Reliance on Dangerous Prescription Pain Killers
Given that there is no casting or compression wrapping recourse, rib fracture sufferers often turn to pain killers. Ibuprofen is perfectly fine and generally recommended, but prescription medications and opioids are a dangerous route to take. Yes, these prescription medications help solve the pain problem, but they present a very real risk of addiction. Stay away from prescription pain killers and work with a physiotherapist for fractured ribs instead.
Is it a Dislocation?
Knowing that a doctor can’t do anything about fractured ribs, those who suffered an acute injury to the ribs may assume that they are fractured or broken (and skip a trip to the doctor) when in reality they may be dislocated. The pain, discomfort, and lack of mobility is about the same. While it may or may not sound like it, a dislocation is a good thing when compared to a fracture because a physio clinic with a chiropractor on staff can perform an adjustment and pop that rib right back into place. This will expedite recovery practically overnight! If you haven’t already, get an X-ray to determine if your rib/s have been fractured or dislocated. If the latter, a chiropractor can make the adjustment as soon as you’re ready.
Are you in need of physiotherapy for fractured or dislocated ribs? If located in the Greater Vancouver area be sure to schedule a consultation at our Burnaby clinic today.