Question
Hi I had a Mixed Martial arts ribs injury - the X-ray's  negative no brakes,fractures, or cracks , the Dr. just said take a week or so off from MMA classes let it heal up , he said maybe the ribs are dislocated at the floating ribs on the left side , thats where the pain and tenderness is coming from , doesn't hurt to breath at all though . Do you think the ribs can be dislocated? hard to get up and down to lay down or get up everything else is pretty effortless . what can this be ??????????
thanks
Rich

Answer
Rich,

This sounds like a rib sprain.  Be patient.   It can take a long time to heal up.  Try to avoid provoking the pain for a while.  You can still exercise, but do it in ways that doesn't stress the ribs, e.g. cross train or just do legs, etc.  It's okay to wear a wrap around the ribs.   You can find rib supports on the market.   Find one that makes the pain less when you move.  Therapeutic ultrasound and some careful manual therapy by a chiropractor would be helpful.  Let me know how you are in about 6 weeks.

Dr. G