Costochondritis Treatment - Ask Doctor Jo

Costochondritis can be on one or both sides, but it is often on the left side and can mimic the pain of a heart attack. These treatments may help relieve the pain from costochondritis, but since the symptoms can mimic a heart attack, always seek immediate medical attention for the sudden onset of this type of pain.

Deep breathing exercises often help with opening up the ribcage which can gently stretch the area and help reduce the inflammation. You can do the breathing alone or you can add your arms to get an extra stretch.

Lying down and doing a trunk rotation with your arms stretched out can also get a great stretch in the whole ribcage to relieve costochondritis pain. You might feel it more on the outside, but it will stretch the whole area.

Sometimes thoracic back weakness is a cause because your shoulder will roll forward causing pressure and irritation to the joints. So strengthening the upper back with Ts and Ys will help as well.

Pec or chest stretches are also a great way to open up the chest area. You can stretch on a foam roller, towel, or rolled up yoga mat lying down. You can also use a corner or doorway, or even a stick or cane to get the stretch.

Scapular or shoulder squeezes and rows with a resistive band will also help strengthen the upper back area to help relieve pressure from the chest area.

Related Videos:

Chest Stretches for Tight or Sore Muscles:

Chest Muscle Pain Relief:

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Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy.

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Costochondritis Treatment:

DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is not medical advice or a treatment plan and is intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ask Doctor Jo, LLC, its officers, employees, and contractors for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. Ask Doctor Jo, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Use of this content is at your sole risk.

[AskDoctorJo]

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[anios]

The comments make me feel understood. I can't explain the pain, it's so painful. But here everyone is having the same experience.

[edwardstanley]

I am 65 and have had it for 6yrs. I was doing push ups and dips when my chest popped. No heart problems, xray, EKG, and blood work good. Ortho said it was costochondritis. These things give me relief during flares. Anti-inflammatory diet, Cold pads for swelling, heat pad for pain, anica natural gel for pain, and tumeric ginger tea. I wish you all well.

[ptrwg]

I did some of these and I feel so much better. My anxiety would go crazy the minute I felt the pain around my sternum and honestly felt like I'm gonna pass out. After calming myself down a bit and did these stretches, I can breathe properly, and the pain would reduce. Thank you for this video.

[jesseleprotti]

Wow I can’t lie, I had zero hope when I started this. But this actually helped. I thought I was having a heart attack but these stretches actually worked

[ayushiyadav]

Prayers for all..and me too...those who are suffering...i can too feel that pain🤗hope we all stay always good and happy

[manasvineiiiii]

Hi, I was diagnosed with costochondritis when I was 17. The pain is horrible. There are nights where I cant sleep because this pain just doesnt go away. I want to thank you for showing me these exercises. They help a lot. It makes me feel amazing and I'm so happy I stumbled upon your video.

[beauty]

I’m here for my little sister who has been experiencing the pain. I know I can’t understand how bad it is but this is me trying to help as best as I can

[robertclark]

I have this pain every night it's horrible and I have anxiety so chest hurts all the time, godbless everyone who has it x

[nalinnmane]

This video really helped me. I repeated it for three days and then the pain was gone. Amazing!

[Nikahopsalittle]

Omg I’ve had this for over 20+ years at no point has a doctor recommended that PT stretches could help, seriously PT are the most under utilized health care workers. Thank you I’m so happy I found this, I hope this helps.

[codelogic]

man! U wont believe I had this condition from 3 years i felt like I m dying i m 20 now..after doing this exercises after 2 days its gone....thanka a ton doctor jo very

[Smellb]

24 years old, went to the ER for severe chest pain, luckily my heart is really healthy. Turns out this pain that is so severe I feel like passing out, is just inflammation! Amazing how much this hurts (even with pokey painkillers). I have to travel for work in 7 days, hope it clears up before then!

[linja]

I'm 24 and was just diagnosed with this. I get so scared sometimes. I'm thankful for this video. Hope everyone is finding relief.

[courtneybesser]

anyone here, like me, in their twenties that have this condition?

[jess.chiefette]

This has been so helpful for me. Thank you so much. Your knowledge about costochondritis made me feel normal. Not many doctors know much about this condition and I really appreciate you posting this.

[anushka]

It Helps!!!
I suffered from costochondritis from 2 and a half months!!!
Found this video, and wolllaaaa!!!
Most of the pain is relieved!!!!
Thanks!!

[SB-lsqj]

This condition is horrible because the chest pain feels like you’re dying, and you get panicky and anxious, which makes the pain worse 😅

[allann]

I experienced costochondritis 3 years. I experienced an inflammation in the my corner left chest muscle near my left shoulder, triggering an extreme panic attack. It was so scary. Lately, I experienced that episode again, but I managed to get it under control with stretching and breathing exercises.

[officialsp]

Man I’m so glad that I’m not the only young one dealing with this