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A 'rib out of place' — sharp, stabbing pain with breathing, twisting, or coughing — is one of the most dramatically painful conditions we treat, and one of the most satisfying to correct quickly with chiropractic care.
Rib subluxation occurs when one or more ribs shift out of their normal articulation at either the costovertebral joint (where the rib meets the thoracic vertebra) or the costochondral junction (where the rib meets the sternum). The resulting pain is typically sharp, localized, and intensely worsened by deep breathing, twisting, coughing, or sneezing — leading many patients to fear they have a fractured rib or cardiac event. Rib subluxations can occur from a single awkward movement, prolonged coughing, sleeping in an unusual position, or chronic thoracic spinal dysfunction. Chiropractic correction of the subluxated rib and the associated thoracic vertebra provides rapid relief.
Dr. Foss performs a specific rib palpation exam to identify the subluxated rib and its direction of displacement. SOT rib corrections use gentle, specific low-force techniques to restore normal rib position — often producing immediate relief. The associated thoracic vertebral segment is also adjusted to restore normal costovertebral joint mechanics. In most cases, rib subluxations respond within one to three treatments. Patients often notice that deep breathing is significantly less painful immediately following the correction.
At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.
For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:
Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.
Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.
We are insurance friendly. Bring your insurance card and ID to the office to verify how your insurance can contribute to your care. New patient appointments are available promptly.
Comparing options? See how to choose a chiropractor near me in San Antonio or read our guide on how to choose the best chiropractor in San Antonio.
Rib subluxation occurs when a costovertebral or costosternal joint becomes misaligned, producing localized sharp pain that often worsens with deep breathing, twisting, or lying on the affected side. Common triggers include sudden lifting, prolonged poor posture, coughing fits, and stress-related muscle tension in the surrounding intercostal and serratus muscles.
Dr. Foss uses specific, gentle costovertebral adjustments to restore the affected rib to its normal alignment. SOT addresses any underlying thoracic or pelvic pattern that produces recurrent rib subluxations. Soft-tissue work on the surrounding intercostals and Class IV laser reduce local inflammation.
Acute rib subluxations often resolve in 1–3 visits. Recurrent or chronic patterns require addressing the underlying thoracic dysfunction and typically take 6–10 visits for stable correction.
Yes. The rib adjustment Dr. Foss uses is gentle and specific. He screens for fracture, costochondritis, and visceral referred patterns (cardiac, pulmonary, gallbladder) before treating thoracic pain as musculoskeletal.
Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.
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