24 Oct Rib Pain: The Buck Can Stop Here
Often times patients who develop rib pain with no known etiology (cause) are processed through the medical system undergoing countless medical diagnostic tests and consultations. Physical therapy needs to be part of the assessment team to determine whether treatment for soft tissue and joint restrictions can be helpful. Often time these patients respond very quickly to manual therapy techniques including joint manipulation, mobilizations, and Astym for the intercostal soft tissues.
A patient with a 3 month history of mid costal (rib) pain was referred to me by an Orthopedist that believed Astym could be helpful and asked us to assess her. Clinically she presented with all the signs and symptoms of costochondritis as he indicated. After 6 treatments including Astym, rib mobilizations, and thoracic manipulation she was 100% better. She is instructed in postural exercises for home and given foam roller exercises. This is an example of how physical therapy can be an important part of the consultation algorithm and Astym can be an effective adjunct to your manual joint mobilization techniques.
Meet today’s guest blogger:
Gus Gutierrez, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Gus is an owner of and serves as clinical director of BRPT-Lake, a multi-clinic private practice that specializes in the treatment of orthopedic patients and sports-related injuries. He received his Orthopedic Certified Specialization distinction in 1994 and then again in 2004. He is certified as a Level 2 Manual Therapist and is Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. He has over 23 years of clinical experience and working with athletes on all levels. Gus has been certified in Astym since 2001. He is also certified in Kinesiology Taping and as an Active Release Technique practitioner for the upper extremity, lower extremity and spine.
