Understanding and Managing Costochondritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Costochondritis can occur due to various causes including chest cartilage inflammation, chest trauma, arthritis, overuse of chest muscles, heavy lifting or other such activities that overexert the chest. Pain relief, heat and cold therapy, posture correction, physical therapy, prescription drugs and corticosteroid injections are some of the ways in which costochondritis can be treated.

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or NSAIDs can lessen chest pain and inflammation.
• Heat or Ice Therapy: Heat or cold packs can reduce inflammation and relax muscles.
• Posture correction: Posture can help heal the chest.
• Physical therapy: Physical treatment may help improve posture, chest strength, and recurrence.
• Prescription drugs: A doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers or muscle relaxants if over-the-counter ones don't work.

Do you experience frequent chest pain? Do you always sometimes fear that you are undergoing a heart attack? There is no need to worry as you might get diagnosed with costochondritis, which is a condition causing pain in the sternum rib cartilage. The pain can significantly increase due to chest related activities such as heavy breathing or coughing. 

• Gentle Mobilisation: Gentle joint mobilisations and soft tissue massage can increase blood flow, muscle tension, and chest mobility.
• Breathing exercises: Breathing exercises can help costochondritis patients take deep breaths without pain. This can avoid shallow breathing and chest tightness.
• Posture Correction: The physiotherapist will analyse and address any postural imbalances or habits that strain the chest.
• Stretching: Gradual range of motion exercises can avoid chest tightness and maintain mobility.
• strengthening exercises: Chest, upper back, and core strengthening exercises can support the chest and alleviate cartilage strain.
• Progressing Activity Plan: The physiotherapist will help patients gradually return to everyday activities and exercise without aggravating chest pain.

PhysiofyMe is a home physiotherapy service that offers specialized treatment for costochondritis. Their team of experienced and skilled physiotherapists provides personalized care in the comfort of your own home, making it convenient and accessible for individuals dealing with this painful chest condition.

• Expert Assessment: The physiotherapists at PhysiofyMe will conduct a thorough assessment of your chest condition, including a detailed history of your symptoms and any relevant medical information.
• Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, a customized treatment plan will be designed to address your specific symptoms and needs, aiming to reduce pain and improve chest mobility.
• Pain Relief Techniques: PhysiofyMe's therapists may use pain relief modalities such as heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to help alleviate inflammation and chest pain.
• Gentle Mobilization and Soft Tissue Techniques: Manual therapy techniques, such as gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage, can promote blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and improve chest mobility.
• Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises will be prescribed to help you learn proper breathing techniques that minimize strain on the chest area and improve breathing capacity.