Discussion
Just out of a week in hospital with four broken ribs and a part collapsed lung after falling off a ladder ,61 years old .
There appears no advice or referral for any type of physio or exercise after broken ribs . Doctor who sent me home told me to blow up balloons a few times a day , that's it .
Has anyone after broken ribs taken a path to recovery with gentle exercise. Happy to pay to visit a physiotherapist, what qualifications do I look out for .
First time I have ever hurt myself, been in hospital, used NHS to any degree and it all seems to stop as you leave the hospital.
NHS from calling 999 to hospital discharge were magnificent.
There appears no advice or referral for any type of physio or exercise after broken ribs . Doctor who sent me home told me to blow up balloons a few times a day , that's it .
Has anyone after broken ribs taken a path to recovery with gentle exercise. Happy to pay to visit a physiotherapist, what qualifications do I look out for .
First time I have ever hurt myself, been in hospital, used NHS to any degree and it all seems to stop as you leave the hospital.
NHS from calling 999 to hospital discharge were magnificent.
Edited by cliffords on Thursday 25th June 11:19
Unfortunately you just need to let it heal. The main risk is not getting air fully into your lungs because of the pain which could lead to infection/pneumonia. So regular deep belly breathing is important. And if you need to cough then hold a pillow over the broken ribs to help brace them.
Presumably you had physio in hospital??? (Not worked in hospitals for years so no idea what provision is like.)
Presumably you had physio in hospital??? (Not worked in hospitals for years so no idea what provision is like.)
I'm now fully recovered from a car accident in February this year,suffering 3 broken ribs and sternum. I soon discovered there is very little that can be done to assist recovery other than pain killers which as much as i was reluctant to take, i was prescribed 240mg of Codine a day gradually reducing before completing the corse over a couple of months. This definitely worked for me and enabled me to get a good night's sleep which is we're i really did get discomfort. Good luck with a speedy recovery.
k, slept for a week propped up in the corner of a sofa took about two weeks till it started to ease off, painkillers and try, I mean REALLY try not to cough.Hid a big mountain bike crash last year. 5 rib fractures and collarbone.
As already said time is the healer and you've got to deep breathe.
Sleeping is an utter PITA. I would recommend buying a bit beanbag to give you a comfy seated sleeping position. Id also sleep with a folded sheet behind you so that you're other half can help you sit up...using core muscles hurts like hell.
Recovery: Once you're healed I'd recommend using a kettle bell to build up strength, core, and mobility. Just 10 mins a day will work wonders. There are hundreds of JB workouts on YouTube.
ETA I'm about a year in and recovered apart from some muscle weakness/pain at the impact point.
As already said time is the healer and you've got to deep breathe.
Sleeping is an utter PITA. I would recommend buying a bit beanbag to give you a comfy seated sleeping position. Id also sleep with a folded sheet behind you so that you're other half can help you sit up...using core muscles hurts like hell.
Recovery: Once you're healed I'd recommend using a kettle bell to build up strength, core, and mobility. Just 10 mins a day will work wonders. There are hundreds of JB workouts on YouTube.
ETA I'm about a year in and recovered apart from some muscle weakness/pain at the impact point.
I broken more bones that I care to remember, BMX, Mountain bikes, Motorcross, road bikes, trackdays, racing, snowboarding....
But ribs are the worst of the lot, there simply isn't anything to really help ease the pain other than painkillers and what others have suggested.
Don't cough or sneeze is my only advice.
But ribs are the worst of the lot, there simply isn't anything to really help ease the pain other than painkillers and what others have suggested.
Don't cough or sneeze is my only advice.
I broke ribs on both sides about 20 years ago playing football - jumping around in goal on an old fashioned astroturf pitch - and all I will say is fgs let them heal properly before doing too much.
I didn't and have ended up with costochondritis, which is an inflammation of the cartilage around the ribs - so every so often I'll wake up and it feels like they've broken again. Normally goes away in a couple of days with some naproxen, can be a bit more stubborn if I'm stuck at a desk all day.
I didn't and have ended up with costochondritis, which is an inflammation of the cartilage around the ribs - so every so often I'll wake up and it feels like they've broken again. Normally goes away in a couple of days with some naproxen, can be a bit more stubborn if I'm stuck at a desk all day.
Most painful thing I have ever done.
Don't cough, sneeze or pretty much move.
Definitely don't have to fly back from Australia.
Just takes time - there isn't a lot you can do to change that. If you feel up to it then gentle walks - I did at least one partkrun walking slowly at the back.
Don't cough, sneeze or pretty much move.
Definitely don't have to fly back from Australia.
Just takes time - there isn't a lot you can do to change that. If you feel up to it then gentle walks - I did at least one partkrun walking slowly at the back.
bodhi said:
I broke ribs on both sides about 20 years ago playing football - jumping around in goal on an old fashioned astroturf pitch - and all I will say is fgs let them heal properly before doing too much.
I didn't and have ended up with costochondritis, which is an inflammation of the cartilage around the ribs - so every so often I'll wake up and it feels like they've broken again. Normally goes away in a couple of days with some naproxen, can be a bit more stubborn if I'm stuck at a desk all day.
Costochindritis is not fun. It's not until you hurt when you move your ribs that you realise just how much they move. Even figuring out how to get up and down from the sofa or in/out of bed is a challenge. I didn't and have ended up with costochondritis, which is an inflammation of the cartilage around the ribs - so every so often I'll wake up and it feels like they've broken again. Normally goes away in a couple of days with some naproxen, can be a bit more stubborn if I'm stuck at a desk all day.
I second the recommendation to eat plenty of fibre.
Thanks to all those who replied . Seems I am not alone you basically have to wait it out .
Did a bit of flat walking yesterday albeit the heat stopped me really.
Last night was a bad sleep, about 3 hours total , went to bed at 10.30.
The night is my main problem it seems.
I guess if the heat would give up I would have a bit more chance, seems like two more days.
I am due to be taking 2 Australian visitors to France with wife in two weeks for a few days. Right now I can't see it being viable. I also prevented my wife being away this week in Spain with the grandkids.
I have caused a fair bit of disruption and coupled with lack of sleep feeling frustrated at slow progress.
I have a few stitches from another part of the injury on the side of my chest , they come out on Tuesday and I hope it gives me another dimension of movement.
First time in my life I have injured myself to this degree and clearly I am fortunate and lucky compared to the true tragedy and suffering going on around the world.
Dog had to have a small operation too this week!
Did a bit of flat walking yesterday albeit the heat stopped me really.
Last night was a bad sleep, about 3 hours total , went to bed at 10.30.
The night is my main problem it seems.
I guess if the heat would give up I would have a bit more chance, seems like two more days.
I am due to be taking 2 Australian visitors to France with wife in two weeks for a few days. Right now I can't see it being viable. I also prevented my wife being away this week in Spain with the grandkids.
I have caused a fair bit of disruption and coupled with lack of sleep feeling frustrated at slow progress.
I have a few stitches from another part of the injury on the side of my chest , they come out on Tuesday and I hope it gives me another dimension of movement.
First time in my life I have injured myself to this degree and clearly I am fortunate and lucky compared to the true tragedy and suffering going on around the world.
Dog had to have a small operation too this week!
Edited by cliffords on Friday 26th June 06:27
TrevorHill said:
the_stoat said:
Take premtive antihistamine, sneezing is the enemy! It reminds you that you are not as recovered as you may think.
Just came here to say this. You do NOT want to sneeze. Trust me I ve been there.As has been said previously time is the only healer for broken ribs.
Lots of good advice here. Use painkillers and force yourself to do some deep breathing every day, it Hurst like a b but you don't want to get pneumonia on top of everything else...
I found sleeping sat up was easier to start with. Less painful anyway, didn't get much sleep whatever I did;)
I have broken the same ribs three times now (falling off bike). Last time took a year before I was completely recovered,.although back cycling after about 3 months.
I really hope I don't do it ever again! Broken ribs are a b*****d.
I found sleeping sat up was easier to start with. Less painful anyway, didn't get much sleep whatever I did;)
I have broken the same ribs three times now (falling off bike). Last time took a year before I was completely recovered,.although back cycling after about 3 months.
I really hope I don't do it ever again! Broken ribs are a b*****d.
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