Rib Pain and Stiffness Treatment in Mineola, NY
MULLIGAN CONCEPT
Rib Pain and Stiffness
Rib joint pain causes sharp or aching pain around the back or side of the ribs, often with a deep breath, a cough, twisting or rolling over in bed. Once a doctor has ruled out heart, lung and fracture causes, Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola uses gentle Mulligan rib glides and thoracic SNAGs to help you breathe and move more comfortably.
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 rib pain and stiffness
- Sharp pain with a deep breath, cough or sneeze
- Pain twisting, reaching or rolling over in bed
- Pain beside the spine or around the side of the chest
- A catching feeling in the ribs
- Tenderness over one rib
What causes it
Rib joints where the ribs meet the spine can become irritated after twisting, lifting, a long bout of coughing, sport or sleeping awkwardly.
How we examine it
Rib pain must be screened carefully. We ask about heart, lung, injury and bone health first. If the pain behaves mechanically, we test rib and thoracic glides during breathing and twisting.
Mulligan techniques we use
- Rib MWM with breathing. A gentle glide on the sore rib while you breathe in or twist.
- Thoracic SNAGs. Glides on the mid back during rotation.
- Taping. Tape that may make breathing and twisting more comfortable.
- Self-treatment. Home breathing and mobility exercises.
What the research says
There is very little direct research on Mulligan rib techniques. We use them when a technique clearly eases pain during the visit, alongside mobility and strengthening exercises.
What else is in your treatment plan
Your plan includes gentle manual therapy, breathing and mobility work, upper back strengthening and advice on sleep and lifting.
How long recovery takes
Most mechanical rib pain settles within 2 to 6 weeks.
When to see a doctor first
Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:
- New chest pain: see a doctor first
- Chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, or arm or jaw pain: call 911
- Rib pain after a fall or blow (possible fracture)
- Coughing up blood or fever
- Osteoporosis with sudden rib pain
Rib pain and stiffness 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 go out of place?
Ribs rarely move out of place, but rib joints can become irritated and stiff, which feels that way.
Why does breathing hurt?
The ribs move with every breath, so an irritated rib joint is felt with deep breaths.
How do I know it is not my heart?
You cannot tell on your own. New chest or rib pain should be checked by a doctor first.
How long does rib pain last?
Usually a few weeks with the right care.
Related pages
Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.