Ribs

I've injured my ribs sparring. The doctor tells me to rest. I've been doing this for a month now but the ribs closest to my sternum dont seem to want to heal. Is this because they are thicker or because this is where they connect? I know the doctor is right but I was hoping you guys know something I can do to speed things up. Accupunture, sleeping a certain way, anything at all because this is really pissing me off.

I've noticed that I'm succeptible to rib injury. Is there anything I can do to prevent this.

Also, I think my inside game is mostly to blame. I find it very hard to get anywhere near the ammount of information from any source as I do with outside fighting. Most of the time it's the same old shit, bob and weave, get in behind your jab, watch Tyson. The things is I'm an outside fighter who does't want to fight inside but only fight my way out when I have to.

First, I don't have the answer for you, but only some thoughts from some related experience and friends who hurt their ribs...you mileage will definitely vary.

Listen to the doctor -- or ask him for a specialist, or find a better doctor if he isn't satisfying your questions.

Definitely find a position for sleep which does not irritate, aggravate, nor cause your ribs to hurt. I have to be careful not to sleep (to long) in certain positions or my should will get a lot worse.

Friends who were struck or otherwise injured in the ribs, especially at the joints to the sternum to many months to fully heal -- six months was not uncommon.

Be aware that your ribs really to articulate at the sternum -- not far, but they are real joints and move, so it is a combination of not re-injuring them, not stressing them too much, and (eventually) stretching them gently and carefully working them loose without setting back the healing.

Yoga might help, but ask your doctor for advice and if he agrees then let the instructor know about your injury.


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HerbM

Thanks Herb. One more question would you recommend a cold or heat pack or nothing at all?

I have been an athlete (of some kind or another) for so long that I have hear every combination of heat and cold recommendations so take the following with a grain of salt and expect different answers from different people:

Generally, cold is for newer injuries, to keep down or reduce the early swelling and inflamation. Usually heat is for more long term (such as your situation) to reduce soreness and promote healing. That's my take anyway.

Be careful with both if you are aggressive in using them, you actually can get either frostbite or burn yourself with ice and heat packs.

I really like Epsom Salt hot baths for pulling out soreness -- I have only showered for decades and never took baths until a physiotherapist convinced me to try the Epsom salt and I was immediately hooked.

You might have a little trouble getting enough water depths in the tub to soak your ribs, so if that is a problem using washcloths to soak the area.

I suspect -- but cannot know -- that gentle stretches will do you good, but keep it at the level where you are certain you are doing no damage.

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HerbM

Thanks HerbM. I'm gonna go and buy myself a heat pack tommorow

For a heat pack, they make "water bottle" style packs of course, and I like the ones that have some type of solid material that you heat up in the microwave.

Remember you CAN burn yourself, even if the pack feels comfortable -- putting it against your skin and leaving it MIGHT generate enough cooking time to give you an irritating (or worse) burn.

And really, don't overlook the value of Epsom Salt to soak in the tub....

It's like a vacation for my sore, aching arthritic knees. The effect lasts from a couple of hours to a couple of days even.

I went and bought my heat pack but forgot all about the salts! I'll get some tommorow. Thanks again HerbM