Low-tech rehabilitation and management of a 64 year old male patient with onset of costochondritis.

This study was conducted to discuss the treatment and management of a patient presenting with acute idiopathic costochondritis. CASE: 64 year old male patient presenting with acute anterior chest pain of one week duration. TREATMENT: High-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation was used to the zygapophyseal joints of the thoracic spine, costotransverse, and costochondral joints involved. Acupuncture, ischemic compression, cross fibre friction massage techniques, and cryotherapy were utilized on the local area of pain. Specific exercise prescription (low tech rehabilitation) was also utilized. Improvement of pain reported on the Visual Analog Scale was noted with a complete resolution of the condition at the conclusion of treatment. No recurrences were reported on an eleven month follow up of the patient. CONCLUSION: Conservative management, including manipulation and exercise prescription, may be beneficial in the treatment of benign costochondritis.

JCCA J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2008 Dec;52(4):224-8. Hudes K. Family Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, 168 Sheppard Ave., West, Toronto, Ontario.