Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Based on the description of symtoms, I suspect that you could have suffered a
rib fracture or a
soft tissue contusion. The management in either case is only by conservative methods (medical treatment).
An xray of the involved area is needed to rule out any bony injury.
The initial management of your condition is as follows -
- Take Rest and do not do any activities that cause pain till the acute pain subsides
- Apply ice or a cold pack to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes, 4 times a day for several days. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
- Take
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or
acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help relieve pain
- Use heat only when you are returning to physical activity. Then use it before stretching. Gentle heating can help loosen the muscle
- When the acute pain is gone, start gentle stretching exercises. Stay within pain limits. Hold each stretch for about 10 seconds and repeat 6 times.
- Local massaging with creams and gels may provide temporary relief from inflammatory pain.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day