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Question
I have a cracked rib in the middle on my back on the right side. I started to use a rib cage back brace at night and also ice it when it feels enflamed. My question is, what kind of stretching can I do that will be helpful, but will not delay the healing process. I am in desperate need of this problem healing as quickly as possible. I would appreciate any advise. Thank You!
Dear Jessica,
This is a simple answer, about a horrible problem. Rib fractures are a REAL PAIN. This is because you really can't do anything but wait for them to heal on their own. I know how much they can hurt...have had three myself!
Anyway, concerning stretching, I would limit most. The reason why is that the more the bone moves, the longer it will take to heal, so what you should be doing is limiting your daily movement. If you really feel the need to stretch the area, simple overhead arm stretching will do the trick. It will elevate the ribs and stretch the associated musculature and fascial slings, but it does place stress on the rib as well. This may additionally create inflammation and pain...the consequences may negate the benefits. Door stretches for the pectoralis muscle will also stretch the entire rib cage and chest in a different direction.
If you decide to do these stretches, just remember that less is more in this case. Do not over-do it...you are trying to heal.
Concerning the brace you wear at night, again this is not such a great thing. Anything that restricts full expansion of the lung cavity for a prolonged period of time will not allow a complete emptying of air from the lungs. This will not allow for full oxygenation of the blood, and can easily allow an infection to start in the respiratory tract, and you really don't want that. I would suggest that you wear the brace as loose as possible, or not at all, and opt for a sling on the arm of the affected rib instead.
Hope this clears things up Jessica. If not, or if you have any further comments or questions, feel free to respond back.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Director of Clinical Rehabilitataion
WWW.SUNCOASTHEALTHCARE.NET
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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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