Intercostal muscle pull

[T40ORA]

Bugger. Just moving some light furniture about (before going to the gym for a back weights session!)and I think that I have pulled an intercostal muscle. I obviously have a weakness here, as I did the same thing a couple of years ago.

Pretty sure this is what it is, as it hurts when I breath - and feels like I'm being stabbed when I stretch/lift (just normal stuff around the house, I haven't hit the gym after all.

What advice can you guys offer? It can't be serious as I wasn't hefting anything bulky or heavy, but how long am I looking at laying off the gym? I've just had an enforced week off sitting by my mother's bedside while she was receiving end of days care at her nursing home, which was preceded by a very active but gym-free week skiing.

So I'm desperate to get back to it - but don't want to go back too quick.

All guidance gratefully received.

[BlackVanDyke]

Pop in and see your GP first, just in case it *isn't* an intercostal.

I'm really sorry about your mum - it's a hard thing to go through.

[Willy Holloughby]

My previous experience would suggest 4-6 weeks. Last time I pulled my left side intercostals was mid november and I wasn't back to lifting properly until the start of Jan. Don't push it too quickly and build up slowly. Your body will tell you when you can start pushing it again. Try gentle side stretches and it won't hurt to do a bit more cardio and lots of leg days...
A friend of mine had me try lying cuban presses which seemed to help...

[T40ORA]

Just been to see my body man. Says to strip the muscle (deep pressure between the ribs) and heat treat.

Yeah, 6 weeks for soft tissue repair so light and easy will be the order of the day, plus lots of leg based CV work. I have a lower back problem which is also being sorted so no barbell squats, but lots of other stuff to be done.

24 hours without sitting down now as he has realigned my pelvis. Made an immediate difference so today, Matthew, I will mostly be standing, walking and reclining Roman style!

[Mabbs9]

I've done this a few times. It can stay prone to pulling again even when it feels a bit better 3-4 weeks for me. V frustrating not being able to train. Ibuprofen was good for me, Doc said no problem taking it for a fortnight as long as not messing with my stomach.

Get back in very gently, proper aerobic warm up to get the blood well into your muscles before any stretching is my suggestion. Good luck.