Hello, Thanks for writing to us Both a cracked rib and a bruise could easily explain your pain. Fortunately, both are treated the same-time, rest and pain medicines as needed. There really is no way to differentiate the two without an x-ray. To get relief from the pain and for quick healing, I advice her to- 1. Do hot fomatation at the site. 2. Apply local anti-inflammatory gel 2-3 times a day. 3. Take anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen to reduce pain and local swelling or inflammation. 4. Do not lift weight or try to do exercise that involve painful muscles. Give proper time for the injury to heal. Rib fractures and severe bruises can take several days to really feel better and several weeks to completely heal. Hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any more concern. Wishing you good health... Regards.