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Rehab for broken ribs 12-Dec-2010 At 5:17:44 PM Elaine Stevenson

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On alternative treatments - not sure the remedy "shosh" refers to is approved for use in Australia (ie by the relevenant govt board), though it does contain some ingredients which may support bone healing. (see also my reply on the "another shoulder story" thread).

This particular product appears to be being sold into Australia via the internet from a company based in the middle east (ie may not be subject to Australian safety regulations) and at $58 for a bottle it's far from inexpensive.

For alternative treatments to assist fracture healing you may want to consider some of the following:

(1) ultrasound
There are a small number of papers appearing the medical literature about using ultrasound to improve (accelerate) fracture healing, some of which refer specifically to rib fractures. It's not a technique I'm personally familiar with but was something which was covered in that aspect of my training. While most physios are trained in ultrasound, I'm not a physio, so can't tell you whether they would have been trained in its use re fracture healing (the protocols may differ to those used for soft-tissue injuries and judging by the way the journal articles are written, its use in fracture healing is still being evaluated through research). If you do want to head down that path, check FIRST whether the practitioner you want to see has the experience you're seeking. Some myotherapists are also trained in the use of ultrasound but I don't think ultrasound machines are as widespread in myotherapy practices as they are in physio practices. PM me if you want more info and I'll see what I can track down.

(2) acupuncture / traditional chinese medicine / dry needling
One of the acupuncture texts I use refers to the use acupuncture and/or dry needling to accelerate fracture healing. Needling over the ribs isn't something I'm a big fan of but if your liver needs a rest from all those lovely martinis then consulting an acupuncturist or myotherapist may be useful. As you'd wanting specific knowledge - ie treatment to support rib fractures - check with the therapist first whether this is something they'd do. Again, if you want a Melbourne-based recommendation, PM me and I'll see if there's anyone in my network who specialises in that area (ie fractures).

(3) Naturopathy
I'm sure there are herbs and supplements which would support the body's natural healing processes. Rather than selecting something from the internet - because it's there - it's probably safest to see someone qualified and seek their advice. They may well suggest that same remedy, but if they did, then you'd at least have some assurance (a) that it had undergone some form of evaluation for use in this country and (b) that it was appropriate for your specific situation. Most health insurance funds will allow you claim for naturopathy if you have extras cover. TCM (Chinese Medicine Practitioners) also train in medicinal use of herbs and equally may be able to prescribe something which could support bone healing. Again, their fees are also (often) rebatable via extras cover.

(4) Soft Tissue work
As suggested by "shortman" look at seeing a soft tissue person at some stage, ie when you feel up to letting someone work on you and/or when the doc says it's ok. Part of the pain you'll be experiencing probably comes from the body's natural splinting mechanisms +/- unconcious compensatory patterns that commonly arise when the body tries to protect you from using an area that's weak or injured.

Finally - if you're a smoker, think about giving up, at least while you're body's healing. Aside from making life "interesting" for your lungs, there's also some evidence to suggest that it may slow down healing time for fractures.

Cheers!
Elaine.