Reed is a personal trainer and an avid weight lifter, as well as a fitness enthusiast. He came in to see us at Dynamic Sports Physical Therapy in New York City after noticing some pain in his chest area. He told us that he had been experiencing chronic right-sided chest and rib pain for several months, and it had not gotten any better with time. Reed also reported having pain while breathing and performing any movement that involved the compression of his sternum and ribs together, such as lying on his side or crossing his right arm across his chest.
He was initially very concerned with this pain, but after careful examinations with his doctors, they were able to rule out any cardiac issues. Based on this information, Reed was diagnosed with a condition called costochondritis, also known as chest wall pain.
Before starting treatment, Reed stated that he wanted to return to his usual workout routine without any pain or restrictions. Although he couldn’t pinpoint the exact movement he was doing or moment when the injury occurred, he suggested that it may have been the result of bench pressing over 300 pounds, which was a personal best. Reed’s biggest impairment was that the mid region of his spine was less mobile than it should’ve been. Although a very strong and muscular guy, Reed had difficulty with isolating flexion, extension and rotation in his upper back.
Through gradual mobility work of his upper back and a specific set of strengthening exercises for his pectoral muscles, Reed was able to gradually return back to all his normal activities. His treatment also consisted of stability, stretching and mobilization exercises for his upper back, as well as gradual progressive loading of two muscle groups in his chest. This was also combined with acupuncture, and after two months of treatment, Reed was completely pain-free in two months. After completing treatment, he was able to return to his full activities and training, and was even recently featured in a Men’s Health Magazine video demonstration. Click here to watch him demonstrate a triphasic abdominal workout circuit.
Reed was also kind enough to write us the following Yelp review: “From the reception desk to the treatment table, my experience with Dynamic Sports was excellent. When I walked into Dynamic Sports, I was suffering from chronic chest/rib pain. I worked with Alan (Physical Therapist) and Mila (Acupuncturist), who not only completely resolved my pain within two months, but also gave me the tools I would need to keep it from returning. Alan’s diagnosis, manual therapy, and exercise selection were superb, and Mila’s mastery of acupuncture and explanations of trigger point therapy were both soothing and rapidly effective. I could not recommend this place more highly to any athlete, weekend warrior, or physically active person.”
Experience similar results from Dynamic Sports Physical Therapy in New York City
We are truly grateful for the complimentary words from Reed, and wish him continued success in all of his fitness pursuits. If you are experiencing any type of pain in the chest, ribs or anywhere else in your body, Dynamic Sports Physical Therapy can help bring about similar improvements to your condition. Contact us at 212-317-8303 to schedule an appointment today, or click here to read more about costochondritis.
