Electrotherapy treatment for intercostal neuralgia and bruised muscle
Rib injury
One of the potential complications of fracturing your ribs is a condition known as intercostal neuralgia. Basically this is compression of the intercostal nerve.
Generally, pressure is exerted on the nerve due to an effusion of blood into the intercostal muscles.
The intercostal muscles are several groups of muscles running between the ribs and helping to form and move the chest wall. They are critical to the mechanics of breathing.
Consequently, any damage to the intercostal muscles or nerve may result in pain, difficulty when breathing, weakness or lack of chest mobility.
SportsMed TENS therapy for Ribs and intercostal neuralgia
After a diagnosis of intercostal neuralgia or muscle bruising your injury management plan should include treatment as often as possible.
SportsMed is the TENS, ECS and EMS machine we suggest to aid repair of a compressed intercostal nerve.
SportsMed electrotherapy can be used everyday - outside the clinic - for drug-free, on-demand pain relief. It is also designed and programmed to aid circulation, reduce inflammation, hasten healing and help with muscle strengthening.
User guide
Please read the User Guide which comes with your TENS unit
Pad placement - Rib injuries
Pain relief - place pads where they are comfortable and most effective for pain relief
Injury healing - pads are placed at the location of the injury
Muscle rehabilitation - the generic advice is to place one pad at the top of the muscle and the second pad one-third along the length of the muscle you wish to strengthen. You may need to consult your physiotherapist for specific guidance on which muscles to target.
If you have any questions please phone our office for further advice.