There are three layers of muscles between each rib, and like any other muscle in the body, they can become strained, sore, and painful. As physical therapists, we can use stretching or massage to help decrease discomfort, but one of the most effective techniques for rib pain is cupping.

During my dry needling training, the instructors specifically emphasized using cupping for rib pain. Because the rib muscles are located so close to the lungs, dry needling in this area carries a risk. No one expects to end up with a punctured lung after physical therapy, so we avoid that altogether because safety is of course our highest priority.

If you’re dealing with a rib problem, whether from a fall, a sports injury, or even after a boxing match, we can help you recover. Safely.