A strained sternum? How the heck?

[mimitabby]

Knott, Wahine, I had no idea they taught you guys so much, you're right,
it's criminal that you learn all that and then you can't use it!

[trickytiger]

Some very good suggestions- I am going to try icing and Aleve and see how far that gets me- and just stick with walking for excercise for now, although I did stick my bike on a trainer and may just pedal sitting upright and see if that works. I found I can sleep relatively comfortably if I put my arms above my head- while that's not exactly the best sleeping position ever (cold hands!), it appears to let me breathe easier.

Fortunately, I'm spending the next two days volunteering at two different PT clinics- and one of the PT's will have a look at it and see if there is anything they can suggest for me. I'm really hoping no subluxation is involved. Thanks so much for the word-of-mouth referrals- I will check and see if my insurance covers those folks!

[bullitgirl]

Hi, I am new to Team Estrogen and wanted to let you know how grateful I was to find that someone besides me had strained their sternum. I called my orthopedist and they refused to give me an appointment. They told me to go to the ER. What the ? They don't do ribs? Those are bones and connective tissue too, like the rest of the body! I managed to make my chest pop when doing a push-up. It was bizarre, almost out-of-body for a second. The pain was intense and has been with me now for over 10 days. This forum has given me a starting point to get on the road to recovery. Tennessee must have those same restrictions on PTs, so I am going to try to see an osteopath this week. Guess this means no bike for a couple of weeks. If I get to see the doc, I'll post a follow-up on the treatment. So glad to have found you guys!

[sgtiger]

Bullitgirl, welcome to TE! Sorry, I have no advice to offer. I just hope you find someone soon who can help you find relief.

[alpinerabbit]

ow, ow, ow - poor thing.

when I was eleven, I ran full-on into a horizontal bar on on the playground.
I seem to remember it hurt for months, that cartilage is a sucker to heal.

Surely you could stationary bike in a while in a recumbent or upright position. Or stepper. Or just go for long walks.

[trickytiger]

Bullitgirl: If it makes you feel better, I DID eventually recover! The only thing is, I can't carry a messenger bag on that shoulder or it twinges in the original injury location. However, I probably shouldn't carry lopsided weight anyhow, so no biggie. I think my PT eventually decided it was a sternoclavicular/costoclavicular issue (where sternum and clavicle join, essentally). Rest, ice, and careful sleeping positions helped enormously. Good luck!

[crazycanuck]

I had a sterniclavicular (sp??) dislocation last year round this time

Sleep upright & try to use your core to move. It eventually works with a bit of practice.

TrickyT-same for me.