Chest Disorders - PDR Physical Therapy and Wellness Center

Physical Therapy for Chest Disorders

Tightness in the chest, ribcage, or diaphragm can mimic heart problems, cause difficulty breathing, and contribute to chronic pain. Non-cardiac chest pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle tension, digestive issues like acid reflux, stress, poor posture, and respiratory conditions. At PDRehab, we specialize in advanced, non-invasive treatments to relieve non-cardiac chest pain, restore ease of breathing, and improve upper body function. Unlike traditional physical therapy, our approach addresses the root cause of your symptoms, providing effective relief without the need for medication or surgery.

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Chest Conditions We Treat

Chest & Ribcage Tension: Tightness in the chest and ribcage can cause pain, restricted movement, and difficulty breathing. It’s often linked to stress, anxiety, poor posture, or shallow breathing, and may worsen during physical activity or deep breaths.
Diaphragm Dysfunction: A restricted diaphragm can lead to shallow breathing, chest pressure, and the feeling of not being able to take a full breath. Symptoms may intensify with fatigue, stress, or inactivity.
Post-Surgical Thoracic Adhesions: Scar tissue from chest or abdominal surgery can cause pulling, tightness, or sharp pain, especially with movement, breathing, or stretching near the surgical site.
Post-COVID Chest Tightness & Breathing Issues: Long COVID symptoms often include chest tightness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and pressure that mimics heart or lung issues. These can persist long after recovery and interfere with everyday activities.

TREATMENT FOR NON-CARDIAC CHEST CONDITIONS

At PDRehab, we offer a highly specialized and advanced approach to treating non-cardiac chest pain and dysfunction. Many of these conditions, such as chest wall tightness, diaphragm restriction, post-surgical adhesions, or post-COVID complications, are often overlooked or poorly managed in traditional physical therapy settings. Using precise, hands-on techniques like Fascial Counterstrain, supported by laser therapy and personalized therapeutic exercises, we address the underlying restrictions in the chest, ribcage, diaphragm, and surrounding fascia. This gentle, non-invasive treatment helps restore natural breathing patterns, reduce pain, and improve mobility without medication or invasive procedures. Our comprehensive approach allows us to treat a broader range of conditions and provide lasting relief even when other therapies have failed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chest Disorders

What causes chest pain that’s not related to the heart?

Many people experience chest pain that isn’t cardiac in origin. Common causes include muscle strain, rib or sternum dysfunction, anxiety, acid reflux, diaphragm tightness, or postural imbalances.

How do I know if my chest pain is muscular or something more serious?

Non-cardiac chest pain often worsens with movement, deep breathing, or pressure on the chest wall. If your pain changes with position or is tender to touch, it may be musculoskeletal. However, serious conditions should always be ruled out by a doctor first.

Can anxiety cause chest pain?

Yes, anxiety and stress can lead to chest tightness, shallow breathing, and discomfort. This type of pain is typically non-cardiac and linked to muscle tension and overactive breathing patterns.

Is chest pain a symptom of long COVID?

Chest pain, pressure, or tightness can be lingering symptoms of long COVID. These sensations are often not related to heart or lung damage but rather to inflammation, muscle tension, or diaphragm dysfunction post-infection.

Can physical therapy help with non-cardiac chest pain?

Absolutely. Advanced physical therapy techniques can alleviate tension in chest muscles, enhance diaphragm function, address scar tissue post-surgery, and restore normal breathing, particularly when pain arises from musculoskeletal or fascial restrictions.

Ready to Breathe Easier and Feel Better?

If you’re struggling with chest discomfort, breathing issues, or post-COVID symptoms that haven’t improved with traditional care, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and start your path to lasting relief – naturally and non-invasively.

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