What is a Rib Fracture?

Rib cage gives protection to the major internal organs like your heart and lungs. The rib cage injuries are common, although the bones are strong and sturdy and linked together by muscle bands. A broken rib occurs when one of the bones in your rib cage breaks or cracks due to:

Severe fall
Motor vehicle accident
Being hit hard on the rib cage
Contact sports
Forceful sneezing and coughing
Repeated movements like swimming or rowing
Health conditions like osteoporosis and cancer

Cracked ribs are painful, but they are not as serious as ribs that have been broken apart. Often broken ribs heal on their own in 1-2 months, but adequate pain control is necessary, so that normal deep breathing is maintained to avoid any lung complications such as pneumonia. A broken rib is diagnosed in the following conditions:

Severe pain with deep breathing
Pain with coughing and laughing
Pain worsens when you twist your body
It hurts when you touch the spot where the rib is broken

If you are diagnosed with broken ribs, the doctor would probably recommend pain medication and a rib brace to help immobilize the area. In most cases, broken ribs heal on their own and do not require surgical intervention. We at Health Products For You have a comprehensive selection of rib support belts applied to the thoracic and upper abdominal region to compress and bind the rib cage and help heal a broken rib. These belts are available in both male and female styles with varied sizes for a more custom fit that provides support.

What are rib braces for?

A rib brace is designed to provide support and compression to the ribcage, often used after rib injuries like fractures or bruising. It helps stabilize the ribs to reduce pain during breathing and movement. These braces are usually made from soft, flexible materials, ensuring comfort while supporting the healing process. They’re essential for reducing discomfort and encouraging faster recovery by limiting excessive motion. The rib belt is designed for the thoracic and upper abdominal region. These belts contour to your body for providing compression with maximum comfort. Sometimes pain and swelling of the muscles around the rib cage are noticed due to some illnesses. In such cases also rib belt helps in relieving the symptoms. The rib brace provides optimum support to the fractured area and allows the person to breathe normally without any respiratory trouble. The brace is made up of breathable fabric and is skin-friendly. The hook and loop Velcro closure offer great flexibility, and you can easily adjust the belt to have a proper fit.

Rib Compression Wrap Benefits

Immobilises and holds the ribcage in position to help in reducing the pain
Keeps the affected area compressed to aid in toning of the thoracic muscles
Alleviates postoperative pain and swelling
Allows normal breathing

Rolyan Universal Elastic Rib Support and FLA Orthopedics All Elastic Rib Belt for Women can be used for maximum compression and support to the broken ribs.

What are the Important Points to Keep in Mind While Using a Rib Support Belt Brace?

You should not wear a rib belt unless the doctor finds it necessary and crucial for your recovery.
The orthotist would determine which rib belt is best suited for you.
Use the belt as directed by the doctor; improper use can lead to adverse effects and decreased effectiveness.
You should follow wash care instructions. Wash with mild detergent and dry in the shade on a flat surface.
You should wear the belt until your doctor advises you to stop.
Breathing exercises should be done to improve lung capacity to prevent any complications such as pneumonia.
Breathing patterns should be monitored, and if you experience any breathing difficulty, immediately stop using it and consult the doctor as soon as possible.

Where to Buy Rib Brace Online?

We at HPFY offer an extensive range of rib braces that support the rib cage and helps alleviate pain from the top manufacturers like Bilt-Rite Mastex Health, BSN Medical, A-T Surgical, BodySport, and many more.