What do I do for a client with Costochaudritis?
My client has Costochaudritis – very imflammed ribs. It could take up to 1 year to heal. Even breathing is painful.
We do not do anything that involves her upper body. Therefore, I do just leg and glute work that does not use even her core if possible.
Any suggestions? This could get really repetitive for her!
Interesting. I have never come across anyone with this medical problem so far. Have you talked to her physician to get some kind of direction as to what might be the best way to approach this? There are different levels of this condition and depending on the level there is a different type of treatment. A severe condition of Costochaudritis will require the patient to stay away from any type of physical activity.
Best,
Harris
Hello Helane Hurwith,
I have dealt with costochondritis.
You will want the doctor’s clearance for exercise and look into if the person should do rehabilitation, first.
When you have the okay to train, play it by ear as everyone heals at their own rate. Give the injured area time to heal; just do gentle stretching of that area to stay mobile. Use common sense to prevent pain.
Since breathing is painful, I would wait for that to subside before trying any resistance training, other than walking. The body needs time to heal and is calling out loudly for rest. There will be plenty of time for more training when the breathing is pain free.
On a scale of 1-10, how bad is the pain? I would also keep track of pain degrees.
Does the client remember pain in that area from a while ago? These things can come on slowly and be ignored or misdiagnosed.
This can be frustrating for someone who insists on exercising when it is contraindicated. Please tell her to hang in there, eat healthy to help speed the healing process, and look at rest as medicine.
I wish you and her good luck and a speedy recovery.
Take care,
Natalie
NAPS 2 B Fit
Thank you so much Natalie. She is coming in this morning. Her doctor told her to just listen to her body and do what does not hurt. I have found some relaxation with gently breathing info that I will try with her today. She could be the first client I have ever had in 25 years that I feel should take some time off!