Rib fractures and contusions are common injuries that can result from the sudden impact of a motor vehicle accident. The rib cage protects the organs like the lungs and heart and is vulnerable to injury when subjected to direct force, particularly in high-speed collisions. The constant motion of breathing, coughing, or even laughing can aggravate the condition, making recovery a challenge. At the same time, motor vehicle accident physiotherapy in Grande Prairie offers innovative and practical solutions to accelerate healing.
5 Physiotherapy Techniques Of Broken Rib Treatment
1. Kinesiology Taping In Fractured Rib Treatment
Kinesiology taping is a non-invasive technique that supports the ribcage while allowing for mobility. To apply kinesiology tape for rib support, patients start by cutting the tape into strips long enough to cover the affected area comfortably, ensuring round the edges to prevent peeling.
- The application begins by anchoring one end of the tape on the ribcage, just above the area of injury. As the tape is applied, the patient gently stretches it while placing it along the ribcage, stopping just before reaching the end of the injured area. It’s essential to maintain slight tension without causing discomfort.
- After application, the tape should be rubbed gently to activate the adhesive properly. To provide ongoing support, patients must monitor for any skin irritation or discomfort from the tape, which can be left on for several days, even while showering.
2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a massage technique to reduce swelling around the injury.
- The process begins with the patient lying in a comfortable position, ideally on their back, with a pillow under their knees for support. The physiotherapist then uses light, rhythmic strokes on the skin to stimulate the lymphatic system. Starting near the collarbone, the therapist moves towards the affected rib area with gentle, circular motions.
- The technique follows a sequence of strokes, moving from proximal (closer to the body’s center) to distal (away from the center) to encourage lymph flow towards the lymph nodes. Each session may last 20 to 40 minutes, and patients can benefit from multiple sessions to effectively reduce swelling and promote healing.
3. Intercostal Neural Mobilization
Intercostal neural mobilization targets the intercostal nerves that may become irritated rib injuries.
- The technique begins with the patient seated comfortably or on their side with support. The physiotherapist then carefully places their hands along the ribcage and applies gentle traction. Patients try to take a deep breath while the therapist applies a slow, gentle stretch, helping to mobilize the intercostal nerves.
- Patients must relax and breathe normally while the therapist performs rhythmic stretches on the chest wall. This technique can be repeated for several minutes, and the therapist monitors the patient’s comfort level throughout the process to ensure effectiveness without causing additional pain.
4. Thoracic Mobilization
Thoracic mobilization aims to restore flexibility to the middle and upper back, relieving pressure from the ribs. This technique begins with the patient lying on their stomach or sitting upright, depending on comfort and the therapist’s preference.
- The physiotherapist may use their hands to gently guide the spine through controlled movements, either side to side or in an up-and-down motion, tailored to the patient’s needs. Patients can also be guided through gentle movements such as the Cat-Cow stretch in a tabletop position, alternating between arching and rounding the back to promote spinal mobility, or thoracic rotations while sitting to increase flexibility.
- Throughout the mobilization process, the physiotherapist should ensure that the patient feels comfortable and is not experiencing pain, adapting the movements as necessary for optimal recovery.
5. Breathing Re-education Techniques
Breathing re-education is a crucial strategy for individuals recovering from rib fractures and Bruise contusions through motor vehicle accident physiotherapy in Grande Prairie. Injured ribs often cause patients to instinctively avoid deep breaths due to pain, leading to shallow breathing. This can reduce oxygen intake and increase tension in the chest muscles.
- In breathing re-education, patients are guided to start by sitting or lying comfortably, ensuring the chest is relaxed. Initially, they begin with gentle, shallow breaths, focusing on expanding the lower abdomen rather than the chest. Placing one hand on the abdomen helps them feel the rise and fall during breathing. As comfort allows, they gradually increase the depth of each breath, inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips.
- The goal is to perform this exercise for 5-10 minutes, focusing on slow, controlled breathing. Over time, patients aim to increase the duration and depth of each breath to enhance lung function and promote healing.
Rediscover Comfort and Recovery From Rib Fractures And Contusions
Care for fractured rib fractures and contusions from car accidents can be excruciating, but with the correct physiotherapy strategies, you can experience relief and a quicker recovery. If you’re struggling with rib injuries after a motor vehicle accident physiotherapy in Grande Prairie, don’t let the pain hold you back. At GP Pain Physiotherapy in Grande Prairie, we offer car accident physiotherapy treatment plans focusing on your unique recovery needs.
Contact us today, and let’s begin your journey to better health and mobility. Book your consultation now and breathe easy again!
