First and Second Rib Pain at the Base of the Neck in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

First and Second Rib Problems

The first and second ribs sit at the base of the neck, just under the collarbone. When they stiffen, you may feel a deep ache at the base of the neck or top of the shoulder that does not ease with stretching. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we use gentle Mulligan rib and neck techniques to ease this area and improve neck and shoulder movement.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of first and second rib problems

Deep ache at the base of the neck or top of the shoulder
Pain turning or tilting the head
Pain lifting the arm overhead
Tight feeling above the collarbone
Discomfort with deep breaths

What causes it

Shallow upper chest breathing, carrying heavy bags, long desk hours and neck stiffness can all load the first and second ribs. Old neck injuries can also play a part.

How we examine it

Before any hands-on treatment, we ask about your health and screen for anything that needs a doctor first. We assess the lower neck, upper ribs, shoulder and breathing, and check circulation and nerve signs in the arm. Then we test gentle rib glides during neck and arm movement.

Mulligan techniques we use

First rib MWM. A gentle glide on the first rib while you turn your head or move your arm.
Lower cervical and upper thoracic SNAGs. Glides on nearby spinal levels that often contribute.
Breathing exercises. Retraining breathing so the upper ribs work less hard.

What the research says

We have not found research on Mulligan techniques for first and second rib pain. We use them when testing shows a clear pain-free change, together with exercise and breathing work.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes manual therapy, neck and upper back mobility, shoulder blade strengthening and breathing retraining.

How long recovery takes

Many people improve over 3 to 6 weeks.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

Arm swelling, color change, coldness or heaviness
Numbness or weakness in the hand
Chest pain or shortness of breath: call 911
A lump above the collarbone
Pain after a fall or injury

First and second rib problems treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

Can a rib cause neck pain?

Yes. The first rib sits right at the base of the neck and can add to neck and shoulder pain.

What does an elevated first rib mean?

It describes a first rib that sits higher or moves less than usual. We focus on how it feels and moves.

Can this cause arm tingling?

Sometimes, but arm symptoms also come from the neck or wrist. We check each, and refer if circulation is affected.

Will stretching help?

Sometimes, but gentle mobilization and breathing work often help more.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.