How the Graston Technique Helps When You Have Rib Pain

Chiropractic care is an excellent way to keep your body in alignment and prevent chronic pain. It's also a great option when dealing with pain from various conditions like fibromyalgia and migraines.

Rib pain is something many people don't think of when considering chiropractic care, even though it's prevalent. If you're living with rib pain and can't kick it, the Graston technique is what you need.

Dr. Jason Ablett and the team at Pinnacle Health Chiropractic offer specialized care for issues like rib pain. Dr. Ablett is an experienced chiropractor who provides patients with the Graston technique and other treatments to eliminate chronic pain.

What causes rib pain?

Rib pain is a common ailment from various issues, including an injury or specific medical problems. Rib pain may come on suddenly or develop over time, depending on the cause.

When rib pain strikes suddenly, it may be due to a pulled muscle or broken rib. People who play sports or are involved in a traumatic accident may develop rib pain suddenly.

However, an injury isn't the only reason for rib pain. There are various other causes of rib discomfort, including the following:

• Costochondritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Infections
• Cancer
• Bruised ribs
• Slipping rib syndrome
• Pulmonary embolism

Medical problems that cause rib pain are a cause for concern, especially lung cancer, pulmonary embolisms, and certain infections. However, most causes of rib cage pain are due to an injury to the muscles, ligaments, or bones within the rib area.

Understanding the Graston technique

Anyone suffering from myofascial pain or musculoskeletal injuries can benefit from the Graston technique. The Graston technique is a form of manual tissue manipulation Dr. Ablett uses for conditions like rib pain.

The Graston technique is a type of massage to identify areas of scar tissue or soft tissue restriction to provide relief and promote motion.

Dr. Ablett uses specialized tools with the Graston technique. These tools are stainless steel and are in a concave or convex form to manipulate soft tissues.

Our tools aren't sharp but dull and rounded at the end. The shape of these instruments allows Dr. Ablett to carefully scan your tissues for areas of tightness or myofascial restriction.

Eliminating rib pain with the Graston technique

Rib pain caused by soft tissue injuries or restrictions is one of the problems Dr. Ablett uses the Graston technique to alleviate discomfort. He carefully assesses the problem to ensure this technique is the best practice for your needs.

The Graston technique is excellent if soft tissue problems cause rib pain. Over several weeks of treatment, Dr. Ablett uses specialized tools to massage the tissue around your ribs, breaking up scar tissue and freeing tight fascia.

During treatment, Dr. Ablett uses each tool for specific areas around the rib pain to reduce pain and increase the range of motion. The tools create microtrauma to the tissues, temporarily causing inflammation and increased blood flow.

The theory behind the Graston technique is that increased blood flow helps restore the damaged tissues and hasten the healing process.

The Graston technique allows for faster healing and less time in a doctor's office. The healing process accelerates with the intense pressure and massage Dr. Ablett provides with the tools.

To find out if the Graston technique can help you, call our office in Kirkland, Washington, today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ablett, or book an appointment on our website.