Costochondritis Treatment - Ask Doctor Jo

Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs meet the breastbone or where the cartilage attaches to the ribs. These stretches & exercises may help relieve the pain. See another Dr. Jo video with chest stretches:    • Chest Stretches for Tight or Sore Muscles ...  

Costochondritis can be on one or both sides, but it is often on the left side and can mimic the pain of a heart attack. These treatments may help relieve the pain from costochondritis, but since the symptoms can mimic a heart attack, always seek immediate medical attention for the sudden onset of this type of pain.

Deep breathing exercises often help with opening up the ribcage which can gently stretch the area and help reduce the inflammation. You can do the breathing alone or you can add your arms to get an extra stretch.

Lying down and doing a trunk rotation with your arms stretched out can also get a great stretch in the whole ribcage to relieve costochondritis pain. You might feel it more on the outside, but it will stretch the whole area.

Sometimes thoracic back weakness is a cause because your shoulder will roll forward causing pressure and irritation to the joints. So strengthening the upper back with Ts and Ys will help as well.

Pec or chest stretches are also a great way to open up the chest area. You can stretch on a foam roller, towel, or rolled up yoga mat lying down. You can also use a corner or doorway, or even a stick or cane to get the stretch.

Scapular or shoulder squeezes and rows with a resistive band will also help strengthen the upper back area to help relieve pressure from the chest area.

Related Videos:

Chest Stretches for Tight or Sore Muscles:
   • Chest Stretches for Tight or Sore Muscles ...  

Chest Muscle Pain Relief:
   • Chest Muscle Pain Relief - Ask Doctor Jo  

===========================================

Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy.

SUPPORT Dr. Jo on Patreon for as little as $1 a month, and get cool rewards:   / askdoctorjo  

===========================================

Costochondritis Treatment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=/_irA...

DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is not medical advice or a treatment plan and is intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ask Doctor Jo, LLC, its officers, employees, and contractors for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. Ask Doctor Jo, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Use of this content is at your sole risk.