Symptoms worsening with some activities, such as bending, lifting, turning in bed, or twisting even a little Zideman DA, Singletary EM, Borra V, et al. European Resuscitation Council guidelines 2021: First aid. Resuscitation 2021; 161:270–90. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.013 Your physiotherapist can advise when it is appropriate to begin the initial exercises and eventually progress to the intermediate and advanced exercises. As a general rule, addition of exercises or progression to more advanced exercises should take place provided there is no increase in symptoms. A 2019 study found that dynamic ultrasounds can diagnose slipping rib syndrome in most cases. This form of assessment can also give medical professionals information on other ribs and risks in the surrounding areas. Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

Physical therapy: This may be the route to take if you’ve been dealing with an intercostal muscle strain for a while. “Physical therapists use tools that really help, such as safe stretching exercises and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units that they place on you.” In some cases, a person may also be able to reduce mild pain from a slipped rib with over-the-counter medications. Medical treatmentsYour doctor will give you a complete treatment plan, but in the meantime, avoid twisting and reaching activities that make the pain worse. You can also try these methods for relief: Over-the-counter pain killers

Rest: Avoid strenuous activities, especially those that caused or contributed to the muscle strain. A doctor will ask about their symptoms and medical history as well as any activities that may have caused or contributed to the pain. Optimal Loading. It’s important to start moving your muscle again sooner rather than later. But only do what feels comfortable and speak to a physiotherapist for advice on building up your muscle strength.Resting and limiting all physical activity for a few days to allow time for the muscle strain to recover. Injury to your rib cage can also damage the muscles between your ribs. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may experience excruciating pain as well as damage to your ribs.