First Aid
If you are experiencing this injury, you should apply first aid. Tell somebody to get you an ice pack, lie down on your bed or sofa, and place the pack on top of the area where the pain originates.
Remember the RICE mnemonic that stands for
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Take an over-the-counter pain medication and try to avoid movements that cause pain.
It’s possible that your rib will get better on its own with rest and icing over the next couple of days. You could also try using a foam roller (carefully), or massaging the rib while twisting in the direction of the injury (carefully so there is no pain).
If your condition doesn’t improve, you may want to seek professional help. And if the pain is worsening rapidly, then you should absolutely consult a healthcare professional.
Osteopaths, physical therapists, and other specialists of the spine or sports injury specialists might be the best choice for you to see to help recover.
If you visit one, they will ask you about the recent activities that you did and the symptoms you felt. Aside from that, you will also be asked about your medical history. They will also check your body for any other injuries and perform external examination.
After that, you might undergo x-ray for your spine and chest. In some cases, you might need to undergo MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
If the rib was only sprained, the doctor may or may not correct the rib depending on the severity of its injury. More often than not, doctors prescribe pain killing medications to help the patient recover and let the rib heal on its own.
Your doctor might also manually manipulate your rib to help reduce the pain or possibly wrap the ribcage. The doctor may advise you to wear gentle compression clothes or chest paddings to aid in relieving the discomfort you will feel while moving.
Depending on the severity of the injury, the doctor may prescribe you other medications.