Finding Relief from Costochondritis

Costochondritis, often referred to as chest wall pain, is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). This condition can cause sharp, aching pain in the chest, mimicking that of a heart attack. At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we can help you recover from this injury! 

What are the symptoms?

The primary symptom of costochondritis is chest pain, which can vary in intensity. This pain often worsens with certain activities such as deep breathing, coughing, or physical activity. The pain is usually localized to the area where the ribs meet the sternum and can radiate to the back or abdomen. The affected area may also be tender to the touch, and pressure on the rib joints can exacerbate the pain.

What Causes it?

The exact cause of costochondritis is often unknown, but several factors can contribute to the development of this condition. Physical strain from heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, trauma to the chest area, respiratory infections, and excessive coughing can all lead to inflammation of the costal cartilage. In some cases, costochondritis may be associated with other conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

What are Possible Risk Factors?

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing costochondritis, although anyone can suffer from this injury. These include age, physical activity, infections, and previous chest injuries. Young adults and teenagers are more commonly affected with this condition. Moreover, engaging in high-impact sports or activities that strain the chest muscles can be an aggravating factor. Lastly, any respiratory infections, particularly those involving excessive coughing, or trauma injury to the chest area from accidents or surgery can increase your likelihood of having costochondritis.

How can Physiotherapy Help Treat it?

Physiotherapy plays a significant role in the management of costochondritis. At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we will first perform an assessment to determine your individual needs and create a tailored plan of care to ensure that we are helping you the best we can. We will use a combination of modalities to help ease your pain and decrease the inflammation. Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, and joint manipulation can reduce pain and improve mobility. We will also have analyzed your posture so that we can educate and assist you in postural correction exercises and ergonomics to prevent further strain on the chest area. We will take you through a comprehensive, personalized exercise routine throughout your sessions to improve posture, enhance muscle strength, and reduce strain on the chest wall. We will also coach you through breathing exercises to help manage pain and improve lung function, especially if the pain worsens with deep breathing.

Costochondritis can be a painful and concerning condition, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, particularly through physiotherapy, individuals can experience significant relief and return to their normal activities.

Book an initial appointment with us today at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab at either of our convenient locations in Central Parkway or Dundas, Mississauga, and we will get you started on your healing journey!