Rib Pain

Mid back pain, aching or a sharp pain between the shoulder blades is quite common. Targeted physiotherapy is effective at relieving pain in the thorax (rib cage).

 

There is often a postural element to someones pain or stiffness in this region. If you bring in photos of your work set up, Pip will be able to look at them and see if you can modify the workplace ergonomics to reduce the strain on your mid-back.

A scoliosis is a sideways, or s-shaped curvature of the spine like what you can see in the above x-ray. Tight muscles, stiff joints and poor alignment in other areas in your body can worsen a scoliosis. 

​

Supportive physiotherapy programmes that help manage the effect of a scoliosis on a person often includes hands-on targeted treatment to minimise restriction in the spine and rib cage as much as possible, and a rehabilitation programme. Exercises typically focuses on maintaining flexibility of the spine and working on addressing muscle imbalances (strength, tone, flexibility).

​

A kyphosis is a rounding of the spine. Often people feel like they can't maintain a good posture and they look really rounded, or hunched, in the upper back.

​

Physio programmes can be extremely helpful in minimising the impact of a kyphosis and reducing it's compression as a person ages.

Restrictions in the thorax, including tightness and/or weakness of the diaphragm can contribute to breathing issues.

​

The diaphragm not having proper mobility and strength can also contribute to back pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses, bloated stomach appearance, neck pain, reduced spinal mobility/flexibility - and more.

​

Pip has advanced training in visceral manipulation which means she is able to work on the diaphragm (and other tissues inside your body) to release restrictions. Working on the diaphragm in conjunction with gentle visceral manipulation techniques to other areas such as restrictions in and around the lungs (particularly the bronchus) can make a huge difference to people struggling with breathing restrictions after traumas to the chest, after viruses, or those dealing with chronic issues like asthma.

 

These techniques are extremely gentle and comfortable. It does not involve any "cracking" of the joints or other areas.

Costochondritis and chest pain are notoriously painful and often patients that struggle with these issues are at a loss for what to do to relieve their symptoms.

​

Symptoms can including aching of the chest or rib joints, increasing pain with movement, pain with coughing/sneezing, shortness of breath and more.

​

Specialised techniques are used to gently and directly treat these issues with good results.

The Thoracic Ring Approach (TM) was pioneered by Canadian Physio LJ Lee and is taught worldwide by LJ Lee & Diane Lee under the ConnectTherapy & ISM treatment models.

​

Pip was in a small group of physios in Australia who trained in this wholistic care model the first year it was offered in Australia. Since then Pip has assisted Diane on an educational course for physios in Australia.

​

Thoracic ring issues and non-optimal alignment can create chaos in other areas of the body by causing altered neural drive to muscles, increased tension in the nervous system, increased rotational stresses on joints around the body, and reduced power and athletic performance.

 

It is not uncommon that the person is unaware that their thorax (or rib cage) is causing the issues they're struggling with elsewhere in the body.