Suggest Treatment For Strain On Muscles And Soreness On Ribs

Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014

Question: Hi Dr. Rynne,

I worked out in the gym the night before Thanksgiving, and I knew after I had done three sets of 12 reps on the bench press machine that I had put too much strain on my muscles. Wrong height on seat with a little too much weight. BTW, I am a 5' female at about 105 lbs. Two days later, I woke up with a sore rib on my right side, under my shoulder and below my breast. If I take deep breaths, it pulls and hurts, and it hurts to twist my torso. No other symptoms: No rash, cough, nothing. If I push my right arm out in front mimicking a bench press move it pulls and hurts. Could this possibly be an intercostal strain?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle relaxant drug along with heat application

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I am Dr.Chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon and this question is with me and I would try my best to help you. On the basis of symptoms you have,it could well be due to intercoastal muscle stiffness.Wearing rib belt helps in reduction of pain.
My suggestion would be-hot water fomentation along with prescription only muscle relaxant drug thiocolchicoside will help beside motrin.It usually takes 2-3 week time to heal.
Hope this helps and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar