Understanding the Condition
Rib misalignment often occurs after sudden twisting motions, heavy lifting, or even bouts of coughing or sneezing. Poor posture or prior thoracic spine issues can also contribute.
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Mechanism of Injury (MOI)
Rib Misalignment / Rib Out is a common issue we treat at Gulf Islands Chiropractic. Whether it's caused by poor posture, repetitive strain, athletic injury, or long-standing dysfunction, our approach is designed to treat not just the pain, but the underlying cause.

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Common Symptoms

• Sharp, localized pain near the spine or under the shoulder blade

• Pain when taking deep breaths, twisting, or lying on one side

• A sensation of 'something out of place' in the mid-back or ribs

• Tension or muscle spasms around the affected rib

• Discomfort with overhead movements or torso rotation

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Clinical Insight
Clinically, a 'rib out' may present as:

• Local tenderness over the costovertebral joint

• Pain reproduced by thoracic rotation or deep inspiration

• Palpable joint restriction in the thoracic spine or rib cage

• Associated intercostal muscle guarding

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How We Treat It

At Gulf Islands Chiropractic, we use a tailored combination of evidence-informed therapies to treat rib misalignment / rib out:

• Spinal Adjustments

• Vibration Therapy

• TENS/EMS Therapy

These therapies are selected based on your specific presentation, comfort level, and goals. We always begin with a detailed assessment to determine the best path forward.
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Why Choose Local, Integrated Care

Living on Salt Spring Island, you don’t have to travel far for high-quality care. Our Neuro-Release Therapy™ system integrates chiropractic, soft tissue, and rehabilitation techniques for long-term relief — not just symptom management.