Locked Costovertebral Joint – What It Is and How Physiotherapy Can Help
If you’re experiencing sharp pain in your upper back or ribs—especially when breathing deeply, twisting, or coughing—you might be dealing with a locked costovertebral joint. At After Hours Physio, we specialise in providing urgent home physiotherapy treatments, including for locked costovertebral joints, when pain strikes outside normal clinic hours.
🔍 What Is a Locked Costovertebral Joint?
The costovertebral joints are where your ribs connect with the thoracic spine (mid-back). These joints allow slight movements during breathing and upper body motion. When one of these joints becomes “locked” or restricted, it can cause acute, localized pain, often mistaken for a rib injury, muscle strain, or even cardiac issues.
⚠️ Common Symptoms
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the upper back or between the shoulder blades
- Pain with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing
- Discomfort when lying flat or turning in bed
- Referred pain around the chest wall or side of the body
- Often sudden onset, sometimes after a twist, reach, or awkward movement
✅ After Hours Physio Treatment Plan
Our mobile physiotherapists come to your home—day or night—to assess and treat locked costovertebral joints promptly and professionally. Here’s what our treatment plan typically includes:
1. Accurate Assessment
- Thorough history to rule out cardiac or pulmonary red flags
- Palpation and motion testing of thoracic spine and rib joints
- Diagnostic ultrasound (if necessary) to exclude other injuries
2. Manual Therapy
- Gentle joint mobilisations to unlock the stiff costovertebral joint
- Soft tissue release of tight surrounding muscles (e.g. intercostals, erector spinae)
- Rib mobilisations to restore full breathing mechanics
3. Pain Relief Techniques
- Heat or TENS application for immediate pain reduction
- Taping techniques for support and offloading irritated joints
4. Targeted Exercise Program
- Gentle thoracic mobility and breathing exercises
- Postural corrections to reduce future strain
- Gradual return to normal movement and activities
💡 Why Choose After Hours Physio?
- We Come to You – Home visits across Melbourne, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays
- Urgent Pain Relief – No waiting for appointments
- Specialised Care – Expertise in acute spinal and rib joint injuries
📞 Book a Home Visit Today
If you’re suffering from sudden upper back or rib pain, don’t wait. Contact After Hours Physio for fast, expert care in the comfort of your home.
🕒 Available 7 days a week, including after hours
📍 Serving suburbs across Melbourne
📱 Call or book online now