What is Costochondritis & How to Deal with it by DocJenFit

What is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). This condition often causes sharp or aching chest pain, sometimes mistaken for heart-related problems. While costochondritis is generally harmless, the discomfort can interfere with daily life, posture, and even breathing.

Common Symptoms of Costochondritis

• Sharp, stabbing, or aching pain in the chest

• Pain that worsens with movement, deep breaths, or coughing

• Tenderness when pressing on the chest wall

• Discomfort that may radiate into the back or abdomen

• Pain that worsens with poor posture or physical activity

What Causes Costochondritis?

The exact cause isn’t always clear, but several factors may contribute:

• Repetitive strain or overuse from lifting or exercise

• Poor posture (such as forward head posture or rounded shoulders)

• Chest trauma or injury

• Chronic coughing or respiratory infections

• Stress, which increases muscle tension in the chest and shoulders

Conventional Approaches

Doctors typically treat costochondritis with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy. While these methods can help, some people continue to experience recurring pain and stiffness. That’s where supportive therapies like massage may come in.

How Massage Therapy May Help with Costochondritis

Massage does not directly “cure” costochondritis, but it can be an effective complementary approach by addressing underlying tension and improving circulation.

🌿 Benefits of Massage for Costochondritis:

• Reduces Muscle Tension: Gentle massage in the chest, shoulders, and upper back can ease muscle strain that worsens rib pain.

• Improves Posture: Techniques that open the chest and lengthen tight muscles may reduce the forward pull on the rib cage.

• Supports Nervous System Regulation: CranioSacral Therapy and Microcurrent Therapy help calm the nervous system, which may reduce pain sensitivity.

• Enhances Healing: Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach the affected tissues, supporting natural repair.

How Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) May Help Costochondritis

Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is a gentle therapy that uses low-level electrical currents to encourage healing at the cellular level. For costochondritis, FSM may be especially helpful because it addresses both inflammation and pain sensitivity. By applying targeted frequencies, FSM can:

• Reduce Inflammation in Cartilage and Surrounding Tissue – helping to calm the irritation that drives chest wall pain.

• Ease Muscle and Fascia Tension – decreasing the pull on the ribs and sternum that can worsen discomfort.

• Support Nerve Regulation – calming hypersensitive pain pathways so the body can “reset” into balance.

• Accelerate Tissue Repair – enhancing ATP (cellular energy) production, which helps speed recovery in the affected areas.

When combined with massage therapy, FSM can be a powerful tool for easing costochondritis symptoms while supporting long-term healing.

Holistic Self-Care for Costochondritis

Alongside massage therapy, you may find relief with:

• Gentle stretching and posture awareness

• Applying heat to ease muscle tightness

• Breathing exercises to expand the chest without strain

• Stress management techniques to reduce overall body tension

Final Thoughts

Costochondritis can feel alarming because it mimics heart pain, but with proper diagnosis, it’s manageable and often temporary. Massage therapy, including CranioSacral Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point therapy, Myofasical Release, or Microcurrent (FSM Frequency Specific Microcurrent and Avazzia) Therapy, may help relieve the tension and stress that aggravate symptoms. By supporting both the body and nervous system, you give yourself the best chance at long-term relief.

🌿 If you’re struggling with chest wall pain, book a session with Longwell Massage Therapy to explore gentle, supportive relief options.