SupremeSharp pain when you breathe in?
A twist reaching for something, a bad cough or a hard session and now your side catches every time you breathe deeply, turn or laugh. Your ribs move with every breath, so a strained or stiff area there never gets a day off.
Nick Monczakowski 4.9 from 74 Google reviews · 13+ years
When to see your GP first
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have chest pain that spreads to your arm, neck or jaw, sudden breathlessness, coughing up blood, or rib pain after a fall or accident.
Call NHS 111 or see your GP before booking if you have rib or chest pain with any of these:
- A fever, cough or feeling unwell with it
- Pain that came on without any strain, twist or cough
- A rash or blistering along the ribs
- Unexplained weight loss or pain that's worse at night
Not sure? WhatsApp Nick a quick description first. If massage isn't the right first step, he'll tell you before you book.
Every breath moves it.
It never gets to rest.
You can rest a sore calf. You can't stop breathing. The muscles between your ribs keep working, so a strain can linger.
It guards and tightens.
Your body braces around the sore spot. You breathe shallower and twist less, so the area stiffens further.
The upper back joins in.
Your ribs attach to the spine at the back. A stiff upper back changes how they move and keeps your side sore.
Where rib pain comes from.
Golf & racket sports
Fast, powerful twists through the trunk.
Rowing & paddling
Repeated pulling under load.
Climbing & the gym
Big reaches, pull-ups and heavy lifts.
A bad cough
Weeks of coughing strain the muscles between the ribs.
An awkward reach
Grabbing something from the back seat or a high shelf.
Slumping
Hours folded forward at a desk or on the sofa stiffen the ribs and upper back.
Around the ribs, gently.
Intercostals
Gentle work between the ribs around the sore area, never forcing it.
Lats & serratus
The big muscles on the side of the ribcage that tighten to protect it.
Upper back & spine
Freeing the upper back helps your ribs move properly with each breath.
Breathing
Simple breathing drills to get the ribcage moving again without the catch.
Rib pain myths. Busted.
“I must have cracked a rib.”
Tap to flip →If there was no fall or knock, a muscle strain is far more likely. If a fracture is possible, see your GP first.
“Breathing shallow will protect it.”
Tap to flip →It feels safer but it keeps the area stiff. Gentle deep breaths help it recover.
“There's nothing you can do for ribs.”
Tap to flip →The muscles around your ribs respond to treatment like any other. Getting the upper back moving often makes a quick difference.
Breathing easy. In their words.
“When I come back from a cycling tour and my body is in pieces, he always puts me back together by bringing all my muscles back to life.”
Paul · Cyclist“I have gone from having unknown aches and pains to being not only pain free but also having a deeper understanding of the issue and things I can do myself outside of treatment.”
Illyriana · Ongoing client“Not just trying to workout the issues I came in with but getting a really good understanding of what was causing them and how to stay on top of them.”
Ed G. · Google reviewOne hour. Breathe easier.
- 01
Talk
How it started, what makes it catch and anything that needs ruling out first.
- 02
Assess
Hands-on assessment of the ribs, side and upper back, plus how you breathe and twist.
- 03
Treat
Gentle release around the sore area and firmer work on the stiff upper back.
- 04
Plan
Breathing drills and easy movements to keep it moving between sessions.
Before you book for rib pain.
Can sports massage help rib pain?
Yes, when it comes from strained or tight muscles around the ribs, which is common after a twist, a hard session or a long cough. Treatment works around the ribs, the side and the upper back to ease pain and get you moving again.
Should I see a doctor before booking?
If your rib pain came after a fall or knock, or comes with breathlessness, a fever, a cough or chest pain, see your GP or call 111 first. If it started after a twist, strain or cough and you're otherwise well, massage is a good first step.
Will it hurt?
Nick works gently around the sore area and adjusts as he goes. Most people breathe more easily by the end of the session.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people feel a clear difference within 2 to 3 sessions. Long-standing stiffness can take a few more.
Where is the practice?
Beverley Road, New Malden KT3 4AW. About a 10-minute walk from New Malden station with free street parking nearby. Open Monday to Friday, 11am to 7pm.
Rib pain rarely comes alone.
Breathe in without the catch.
- £80 first session, assessment included
- Mon–Fri 11am–7pm
- Near New Malden station · free street parking
- Personal reply from Nick, usually same day
“Seen a lot of specialist in the time but the way Nick spoke to you and explained the plan he had for as very reassuring.”