A rib injury, whether a simple cracked rib or a severe contusion, typically causes sharp pain that is exacerbated by movement, coughing, and deep breathing. This discomfort often leads to shallow breathing, which can increase the risk of secondary complications. Applying external support reduces movement, minimizing pain and promoting comfort. Stabilization aims to provide a localized splinting effect, supporting the damaged tissue without impeding the function of the lungs.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Before attempting any form of self-treatment or strapping, it is crucial to rule out a severe underlying injury by consulting a medical professional. A minor rib injury, such as a simple bruise or an uncomplicated crack, may be manageable with conservative treatment, but more serious trauma requires immediate evaluation. Severe shortness of breath, especially if it is rapidly worsening, demands emergency medical attention.
Other signs of a potentially serious internal injury include coughing up blood, which may indicate a lung puncture, or a persistent, sharp pain that intensifies with every breath. If you develop a high fever, experience dizziness or weakness, or notice signs of internal bleeding, you should seek care immediately. Self-taping is only appropriate for minor, confirmed injuries once a medical professional has determined that no severe complications exist.
Understanding Modern Rib Strapping
For decades, the standard practice for supporting injured ribs was to wrap the entire chest circumferentially with a wide elastic bandage or strap. This technique is now widely discouraged by medical professionals because it restricts the chest wall’s ability to fully expand. This restriction can lead to shallow breathing, which significantly increases the risk of developing a chest infection or pneumonia.
Modern medical practice has shifted toward localized rib strapping or splinting, which uses specialized tape to limit the movement of only the injured segment. This approach provides pain relief and support while ensuring the uninjured parts of the chest can fully expand. Necessary materials for this technique include a flexible, elastic adhesive tape, such as athletic or kinesiology tape, and a skin preparation spray to ensure proper adhesion and reduce irritation. The goal is to provide a firm, localized anchor that dampens the painful motion of the injured area without compromising lung capacity.
Application Steps for Rib Strapping
Begin the process by ensuring the skin is clean, dry, and free of oils or lotions. The patient should be positioned comfortably, ideally standing or seated, with the arm on the injured side raised above the head to stretch the ribs slightly. This positioning helps ensure the tape is applied to the ribs while they are in a state of maximum expansion.
To prepare the tape, cut several strips long enough to extend from the uninjured side of the body, across the painful area, and past the midline of the body on the other side. Apply the tape while the patient has fully exhaled, which prevents the tape from restricting a full inhalation. Apply the first strip of tape directly over the center of the painful area, starting the anchor on the uninjured side of the back.
As the patient holds their breath in the exhaled position, apply the tape across the ribs with firm but gentle tension, ensuring it is flat against the skin. The ends of the tape should be laid down without any stretch to prevent skin irritation and lifting. Apply subsequent strips of tape parallel to the first, overlapping by approximately one-half to two-thirds the width of the tape to create a stable, localized splint. Once all strips are applied, gently rub the tape to activate the adhesive and ensure a secure bond to the skin.
Monitoring and Removal of Strapping
After applying the strapping, the patient must monitor their breathing to ensure it remains comfortable and unrestricted, as any difficulty necessitates immediate removal. The skin around the tape should be checked regularly for signs of irritation, redness, itching, or blistering, which may indicate an allergy or excessive tension. If the pain intensifies, if numbness or tingling develops in the extremities, or if the skin color changes, the tape should be removed immediately.
Strapping is worn for about two to three days before it should be reapplied or removed completely, as the adhesive will begin to break down and the tape may shift. For safe removal, loosen the adhesive by soaking the area in warm, soapy water or by applying a specialized adhesive remover or baby oil. The tape should be peeled off slowly, pulling it back over itself at a low angle while pressing the skin down with the other hand. This technique minimizes the risk of pulling the skin or hair, which can cause painful abrasions.