“Can I exercise with intercostal muscle strain?”
I am a 31 year old male. I want to know if I can exercise with intercostal muscle strain?
11 Answers
Good morning. I would caution you not to exercise with intercostal muscle strain. The fact that you have this condition alters the biomechanics of the diaphragm, which is your primary muscle of respiration. This, in turn, causes other accessory muscles of respiration in the chest, neck and upper back, as well as those in the lower back and hips to be recruited, leading to compromised breathing mechanics, neck pain, upper back pain, mid to lower back pain. I would advise you to see a Chiropractor closest to you, as well as a Massage Therapist to address this issue until it is resolved. Hope this answers your question.
Yes, but would probably limit your exercise to cardiovascular exercise such as elliptical machines and treadmills.
Hello,
If you're asking about intercostal muscles, then you know the answer to your question, because most people do not reference intercostal muscles specifically! You obviously have knowledge of the physiological function of the body.
Dr. Churchill
If you're asking about intercostal muscles, then you know the answer to your question, because most people do not reference intercostal muscles specifically! You obviously have knowledge of the physiological function of the body.
Dr. Churchill
That’s a very easily aggravated condition. I would probably hold off if there’s still any discomfort.
Light cardio workouts if your pain level isn’t too high. Like walking or light jogs. Nothing intense or strenuous. If your pain level is still high then I suggest rest. Once an intercostal muscle is strained or angry they like to stay strained and angry for a couple weeks.
You can but yo you may be limit to certain exercises. Intercostal muscles are between your ribs. So, when you breathe, your ribs expand and elevate. Also, when you lift weights or certain exercises cause the intercostal muscles to contract, this may cause pain or increase your injury.
Yes as long as you don’t aggravate the strain.
No. Better to rest, allow the rib muscles to heal before you do more damage.
Yes- but carefully. Stay with comfortable stretching and don't attempt anything that starts to feel painful. It must be pain free otherwise you will make the condition worse. You might try putting a length of kinesio tape right over the most painful spot in order to accelerate your healing.
It depends on how old the injury is and what exercises you will be doing. I would refrain from anything overhead or stretching your torso in any way until you are at least 4 weeks out from the injury, and only then if you have support, like a compression garment or K-Tape. Once you start back, you may want to ease in with swimming, to lightly stretch and work on your breathing, to work the muscles. You can still exercise your your legs and lower abs, though.
I would only exercise to your level of comfort. Don't push it too hard, especially with cardiovascular exercise. Work on breathing with your diaphragm instead of with the rib cage.
