Pulled Muscle in Rib Cage

[jdeloach]

I pulled a muscle yesterday right on top of my ribs, and I have a very big Tennis match tomorrow morning. Is there anything I could do to damage it worse? If not, what should I do tonight to help to stay loose in the morning?

[dowjones]

That's a tough answer since we can't feel your pain. Ibuprofen and drink fluids to stay hydrated! I would suggest warming and stretching before bed tonight. You'll definitely feel worse in the morning but warm up and stretch some more before heading out to the court. Show up early, where an extra t-shirt to keep your ribs warm, warm up slowly, see what works and what doesn't. At match time, you'll know whether you can play or not. If it's not, don't start the match. I think it would be worse to start then have to retire. If you do play, start out at 50% and concentrate on technique instead of power (I don't know your game though). Hitting the sweet spot and better technique will get you more pace and control than you'd think.

My .02, DJ

Good luck!

[dowjones]

I was justing thinking...if you could fit one of those TE wraps around your chest/ribs that might lend some support :grin:

Sorry, hope it doesn't hurt when you laugh.

That's if you thought that was funny :confused:

[jdeloach]

I was justing thinking...if you could fit one of those TE wraps around your chest/ribs that might lend some support :grin:

Sorry, hope it doesn't hurt when you laugh.

That's if you thought that was funny :confused:

I appreciate the help......and the laugh:-(
I hit very lightly today, and the most pain came when I attempted to serve. I just didn't do it. I'll do what you suggested, and see how I feel at match time.

[Swinging Simian]

Ouch! While I never pulled a muscle by the rib cage, I've had bruised ribs before. Don't know if these will help since injury isn't the same. Tonight take a warm bath, I mean a bath in a tub with warm water. Should help alot. Take deep breaths and hold 10 sec. good, for about 2 minutes every hour. If you're having trouble breathing, lay on your injured side and take a deep breath every hour or so. Before your match, tape up your ribs. Not Kidding. It will help but you should really see if you can breath move and play without it first, since it is very uncomfortable. Ibuprofen tylenol something for the pain, and staying hydrated as someone else suggested will help. Eat some meat. It'll help your muscles recover. Avoid eating spinach. Not Kidding. I'm not sure why, but spinach impedes the healing process and it really should not be eaten when you are sick or injured.

Good Luck

[jdeloach]

Thank you all for the great advice. I was able to get through the entire match today. I am definitely paying for it now, but I have a week to heal.

Thanks again!

[dowjones]

I have the same mentality...play through the pain!

Rest up, there's plenty of football to watch this weekend :-D

Go Chargers by the way!!!!! :) :D