Costochondritis (Chest Wall Pain Near the Sternum)
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. It often causes sharp or aching pain in the front of the chest that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or certain movements. While the pain can feel concerning, costochondritis is a musculoskeletal condition that typically responds well to physical therapy.
Are you experiencing sharp, aching, or pressure-like pain in the front of your chest that worsens when you breathe deeply, cough, or press on your sternum? You may be dealing with costochondritis, a common condition that affects the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone.
Because the pain occurs in the chest, many people worry it may be heart-related. In most cases, however, costochondritis is caused by irritation in the chest wall joints and muscles. At Rose Physical Therapy, our clinicians evaluate the underlying cause of chest wall pain and provide targeted treatment to help you return to comfortable movement throughout Washington, DC.
What Is Costochondritis?
Costochondritis occurs when the costal cartilage, which connects the ribs to the sternum, becomes irritated or inflamed. This cartilage allows the rib cage to move slightly with breathing and upper body movement.
When the cartilage becomes inflamed, the surrounding area may become sensitive, painful, or tight. The condition most commonly affects ribs two through five, which connect to the central portion of the sternum.
Although costochondritis is not dangerous, it can interfere with everyday activities such as lifting, exercising, deep breathing, or even sitting comfortably.
Costochondritis can affect people of all ages but is most frequently seen in active adults and adolescents, particularly those who perform repetitive upper body movements.
Common Causes of Costochondritis
The exact cause is sometimes unclear, but several factors can contribute to irritation of the rib cartilage.
• Repetitive Strain
Frequent lifting, pushing, or upper body twisting can irritate the rib cartilage over time.
• Upper Respiratory Infections
Persistent coughing from a cold or flu can strain the chest wall.
• Poor Posture
Slouched sitting or rounded shoulders place additional pressure on the front of the rib cage.
• Trauma
A direct blow to the chest during sports or a car accident can inflame the cartilage.
• Post-Surgical Stiffness
Some people develop costochondritis after procedures involving the chest wall.
In a busy city like Washington, DC, long hours at a desk combined with workouts or recreational sports can gradually increase stress on the rib cage and chest wall.
What Does Costochondritis Feel Like?
Symptoms usually occur in a specific area along the front of the rib cage.
Common symptoms include:
• Localized pain near the sternum or between the ribs
• Tenderness when pressing on the rib cartilage
• Pain with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing
• Sharp, stabbing, or aching chest pain
• Discomfort with trunk rotation or lifting the arms overhead
• Pain that typically occurs on one side of the chest
Unlike cardiac-related chest pain, costochondritis pain is often reproducible with pressure or movement.
However, if you are experiencing chest pain for the first time or have symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to rule out cardiac or pulmonary causes.
Diagnosing Costochondritis at Rose Physical Therapy
At Rose Physical Therapy, your evaluation is conducted one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist to confirm the musculoskeletal nature of your symptoms.
Your assessment may include:
• Medical History Review
Understanding recent illness, trauma, exercise habits, or posture at work.
• Chest Wall Palpation
Gentle examination of the rib cartilage to identify areas of tenderness.
• Movement Testing
Observing how your symptoms respond to arm movement, spinal rotation, and breathing.
• Postural Analysis
Evaluating the alignment of the rib cage, shoulders, and thoracic spine.
If necessary, your therapist may coordinate with your healthcare provider for additional imaging or testing to rule out other causes.
How Physical Therapy Helps Costochondritis
Physical therapy focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring rib mobility, and improving posture to relieve pressure on the chest wall.
Your treatment plan may include:
• Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques to improve mobility in the ribs, sternum, and thoracic spine.
• Soft Tissue Release
Reducing tension in the chest muscles, intercostals, and surrounding tissues.
• Breathing Retraining
Teaching proper diaphragm breathing to reduce strain on the rib cage.
• Postural Training
Correcting rounded shoulder posture that increases pressure on the chest wall.
• Therapeutic Exercises
Mobility and strengthening exercises that improve rib alignment and spinal support.
• Education and Activity Guidance
Strategies to modify activities and manage symptoms during recovery.
Many patients begin to notice improvement within a few weeks of consistent treatment, although recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Find Relief from Costochondritis at Rose Physical Therapy
Chest wall pain can feel alarming, but with the right treatment it often improves quickly. At Rose Physical Therapy, we provide individualized care designed to restore comfortable movement, improve breathing mechanics, and reduce recurring chest wall irritation.
If chest wall pain from costochondritis is affecting your daily life, Rose Physical Therapy is here to help. Schedule an evaluation at one of our Washington, DC locations:
Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard
Early treatment can help reduce pain, restore mobility, and get you back to moving comfortably through your day in DC.