RIB PAIN

How the KiRO Clinic Treats Rib Pain with Chiropractic Care and Functional Rehabilitation?

Rib Pain Relief at the KiRO Clinic – Targeted Chiropractic Treatment for Breathing and Movement Discomfort

Rib pain is often misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or overlooked, yet it can be one of the most uncomfortable issues, especially when it affects breathing, movement, or posture. Whether you feel a sharp pain near your sternum, discomfort in your mid-back, or an unusual “popping” sensation, the KiRO Clinic in Central London is equipped to identify and treat the root cause of your rib pain

RIB PAIN

How the KiRO Clinic Treats Rib Pain with Chiropractic Care and Functional rehabilitation?

Rib pain is often misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or overlooked, yet it can be one of the most uncomfortable issues, especially when it affects breathing, movement, or posture. Whether you feel a sharp pain near your sternum, discomfort in your mid-back, or an unusual “popping” sensation, the KiRO Clinic in Central London is equipped to identify and treat the root cause of your rib pain

RIB CONDITIONS WE COMMONLY TREAT

  • Costochondritis

  • Posterior rib joint dysfunction

  • Slipping rib syndrome

  • Intercostal muscle strain

  • Rib pain related to scoliosis or spinal dysfunction

  • Breathing-related rib pain from poor posture or stress

Costochondritis

Inflammation of the cartilage where ribs meet the sternum (breastbone).

Common symptoms include:

  • Sharp pain on one side of the chest

  • Discomfort when pressing on the rib junctions

  • Pain worsened by deep breathing, sneezing, or upper body movement

Slipping rib syndrome (Rib subluxation)

These can include:

  • Migraine with Aura (visual disturbances, sensory changes)

  • Migraine without Aura

  • Chronic Migraine (more than 15 days/month) Often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity and throbbing pain on either side of the head.

Posterior rib dysfunction

Pain where the rib articulates with the spine—often mistaken for thoracic spine pain or even cardiac symptoms.

Often results from:

  • Sudden twisting movements

  • Poor posture or desk-related strain

  • Overuse in sport or lifting

Pain during deep breathing

This can occur due to:

  • Rib joint restriction

  • Thoracic spine stiffness

  • Intercostal muscle strain or spasm

Clients often describe tightness or difficulty expanding the ribcage fully—especially during stress or physical activity.

Intercostal Muscle Strain

These are the muscles between the ribs, commonly strained during coughing, heavy lifting, or rapid twisting.

Symptoms include:

  • Localised tenderness

  • Pain during breathing or torso movement

  • Side-body tightness or sharp pinching

How the KiRO Clinic
treats rib pain

At the KiRO Clinic, we
specialise in pinpointing and resolving the mechanical causes of rib pain using a proven combination of chiropractic care and tailored rehabilitation.

Comprehensive assessment
of rib & thoracic function

We start with a detailed history and exam to determine:

  • Source of the pain: joint, muscular, neural, or referred

  • Postural contributors (rounded shoulders, shallow breathing)

  • Functional movements that reproduce symptoms

If needed, we’ll refer for X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to rule out serious pathology and confirm structural integrity.

evaluation

Comprehensive assessment
of rib & thoracic function

We use targeted manual therapy to restore normal rib and thoracic spine mechanics, including:

  • Thoracic spine adjustments to relieve joint fixation and restore motion

  • Rib mobilisation techniques to reposition misaligned ribs

  • Soft tissue therapy to release tight intercostal muscles and fascia

  • Breathing retraining to offload dysfunctional mechanics

“According to a 2006 retrospective case series published on PubMed pregnant women experiencing low back pain who underwent chiropractic spinal manipulation. The study found that 94.1% of the participants reported clinically significant improvement in pain levels. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported, suggesting that chiropractic care may be a safe and effective option for managing low back pain during pregnancy1.

Functional Rehabilitation & Strength Training

After pain reduction, we address the underlying movement patterns and weaknesses contributing to your rib pain.

This includes: 

  • Thoracic mobility drills and spinal decompression

  • Breathwork and diaphragm training to improve ribcage function

  • Postural retraining for those working long hours at desks

  • Stability exercises for core and shoulder girdle muscles

strength_retrain
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WHY CHOOSE THE KIRO CLINIC?

  • Conveniently located in Central London

  • Precise diagnostics and hands-on chiropractic care

  • One-on-one rehabilitation tailored to your pain and lifestyle

  • Modern, evidence-led treatment plans designed for lasting change