Condition Pain Condition Benchmarked

Rib Pain (Intercostal / Costochondritis)

Rib cage pain from intercostal strain, costochondritis, or rib hypomobility. Assessment targets thoracic mobility, breathing pattern, rib cage expansion, and postural contributors.

Clinical note: Left-sided rib/chest pain must be screened for cardiac causes before assuming musculoskeletal origin. Cardiac screening is a precondition for exercise prescription.
6
ROM Tests
3
Corrective Priorities
4
Risk Factors
5
Red Flags

Key ROM Tests

1 Thoracic Extension
2 Thoracic Rotation Seated
3 Diaphragmatic Assessment
4 Infrasternal Angle
5 Cervical Flexion Extension
6 Shoulder Horizontal Abduction

Risk Factors Assessed

Thoracic Extension
Diaphragmatic Assessment
Thoracic Rotation Seated
Infrasternal Angle

Expected Timeline

4-8 weeks for costochondritis, 6-12 weeks for intercostal strain, rule out cardiac if left-sided

Frequently Asked Questions

Can rib pain (intercostal / costochondritis) be corrected with exercise?
Typical improvement timeline is 4-8 weeks for costochondritis, 6-12 weeks for intercostal strain, rule out cardiac if left-sided. The protocol includes 3 prioritized corrective interventions and screens for red flags that require medical referral.
What assessments are done for rib pain (intercostal / costochondritis)?
The protocol assesses Thoracic Extension, Thoracic Rotation Seated, Diaphragmatic Assessment, Infrasternal Angle. Each test identifies the specific driver of the condition, guiding the corrective sequence.
Is rib pain (intercostal / costochondritis) the same for everyone?
No. The assessment differentiates structural from functional causes and identifies the individual's primary driver. The corrective plan is ordered by priority, with the highest-leverage corrections addressed first.
How do I get started with the Rib Pain (Intercostal / Costochondritis) protocol?
Apply for an assessment through AKMI. Your coach will run the Rib Pain (Intercostal / Costochondritis) protocol as part of your initial structural evaluation, then build a personalized corrective plan based on the findings.

Get your Rib Pain (Intercostal / Costochondritis) assessment

Your coach runs this protocol as part of your structural evaluation, then builds a personalized corrective plan based on the data.

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Protocol Details

Category
Condition
Subcategory
Pain Condition
ROM Tests
6
Corrective Targets
3
Benchmarked
Yes
Red Flag Screens
5
Timeline
4-8 weeks for costochondritis, 6-12 weeks for intercostal strain, rule out cardiac if left-sided
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