How to Look After the Human Ribs

Human ribs are delicate and can be easily broken during impact sports, such as football, lacrosse or hockey. High-impact sports usually have padding and uniform requirements that help protect the ribs, but if you have suffered an injury in the past, you may require something extra to give you the support and protection you need to perform.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Rib protection shirt or vest

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Instructions

• 1

  Splint a person with a bruised or broken rib as recommended by the first aid practices of the American Red Cross. Place a pillow or rolled up blanket against the abdomen where the injured rib is and tie the arm on the same side down against the blanket to immobilize the area. Tie loosely so as not to hurt the person.

• 2

  Apply ice in 20-minute increments. Take the ice off for 20 minutes and reapply if necessary. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to prevent the coldness from shocking the person.

• 3

  Rest and stop all activity if you have suffered a rib injury recently. Ribs heal on their own over time. Your doctor will be able to prescribe pain medication if necessary and will advise you when it is safe to resume activities.

• 4

  Purchase a rib protection shirt to wear under your padding and uniform. These shirts range from $70 to $90 at major sporting goods stores and are available for children, teens and adults of both genders.

• 5

  Choose among a vest, a shirt, a full-body shirt or a protector, depending on the activity you engage in. Rib protectors are available for everything from biking to lacrosse. Wear the protector as the first layer underneath all other padding, uniforms or equipment.