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INJURY TITLE
Costocondritis |
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Costochondritis is a common form of inflammation of the cartilage where ribs attach to the breastbone, the sternum. The inflammation can involve multiple cartilage areas on both sides of the sternum but usually is on one side only.
The cause of costochondritis is not known, and may involve several factors. Possible causes include heredity (genetic predisposition), viruses, and trauma (injury). Costochondritis can be an independent condition by itself or sometimes be a feature of a more widespread disorder. Examples of illnesses that can feature costochondritis include fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease). |
COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
| Local tenderness over the joint(s) around the sternum
Pain on deep breath which can be increased with vigorous exercise. Sometimes pain with normal activities like putting a shirt on (due to the stretch involved). Tenderness on palpation (touching) of the front and centre of your chest. If you have localised swelling, this may be another very similar condition known as Tietze’s Syndrome as opposed to Costochondritis where swelling is not characteristic. |
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
| Clinical questioning will help to map the history and onset of the condition along with the likely aggravating factors.
Clinical assessment involving palpation (feeling) the painful area in comparison to other ribs and neighbouring parts of the chest. Assessment of the thoracic spine (middle of your back) and neck, including muscle lengths (if your neck muscles are tight they can cause discomfort further down into your chest) may also highlight any factors that may influence the pain indirectly. |
GENERAL TREATMENT
| Costochondritis can be aggravated by any activity that involves stressing the structures of the front of the chest cage. It is generally best to minimize these activities until the inflammation of the rib and cartilage areas has subsided.
Rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and even cortisone injections have been used as therapy for the inflamed, painful cartilage of both costochondritis and Tietze syndrome. Ice packs applied to local swelling can sometimes help to reduce pain and inflammation. |
Booking with Physio4Life for costochondritis treatment means you’ll receive expert, personalised care focused on relieving pain and restoring comfortable movement as quickly as possible.
Our experienced physiotherapists take the time to accurately assess the cause of your chest wall pain and create a tailored treatment plan that may include hands-on therapy, targeted exercises, posture correction, and advice for daily activities. With a clear focus on long-term recovery—not just short-term relief—Physio4Life supports you every step of the way, helping you return to work, sport, and everyday life with confidence.