Rib Subluxation Treatment Oakville
What is a Rib Subluxation?
Dr. Steve and his Oakville chiropractic team treat new cases of rib pain, commonly referred to as “rib subluxations,” or “slipped rib” every day. This condition typically presents as sharp or aching pain on one side of the spine, approximately 2-3 cm from the midline of the spine, a subluxated rib in the back. While rib misalignments most often occur around or behind the shoulder blade, rib head subluxations can happen anywhere along the spine and caused slipping rib syndrome.
Rib pain may also be related to conditions such as slipping rib syndrome, which involves excessive movement of the lower ribs and can cause sharp, intermittent pain.
With nearly two decades of experience, our rib pain specialists use evidence-based techniques to restore proper rib alignment and alleviate discomfort effectively. If you’re experiencing rib pain or the feeling of a rib out of place in the back, trust our expert team to provide targeted, results-driven care to get you feeling better, faster!
If your rib pain symptoms are related to a workplace injury, learn how to start a WSIB claim and access approved treatment in Oakville. Rib and thoracic spine injuries commonly occur during motor vehicle accidents due to seatbelt pressure or sudden impact. Our car accident treatment Oakville program focuses on restoring movement and reducing pain following these injuries including thoracic spine, rib pain and whiplash.
Anatomy of Rib Subluxation and Slipped Rib(Video)
Slipping Rib Syndrome vs Rib Subluxation
Rib subluxation and slipping rib syndrome are closely related conditions involving abnormal movement of the ribs, but they present slightly differently. Rib subluxation typically refers to a restriction or minor displacement of a rib at the spine or costovertebral joints, often causing localized pain and stiffness.
Slipping rib syndrome, on the other hand, usually involves the lower ribs (commonly ribs 8–10) where the cartilage becomes more mobile and can move excessively. This can lead to a sharp, intermittent pain, sometimes accompanied by a clicking or popping sensation as the rib shifts and irritates nearby nerves.
While both conditions involve abnormal rib mechanics, slipping rib syndrome is more commonly associated with hypermobility and nerve irritation, whereas rib subluxation is often related to joint restriction and muscular imbalance.
Key Differences Between Rib Subluxation and Slipping Rib Syndrome
• Rib subluxation is typically a joint restriction or minor displacement near the spine
• Slipping rib syndrome involves excessive movement of the lower ribs due to cartilage instability
• Slipping rib syndrome often produces a clicking or popping sensation
• Pain from slipping rib syndrome may be more sharp, intermittent, and harder to localize
• Rib subluxation pain is often more localized and reproducible with movement or palpation
Subluxated Rib Pain Treatment Video:
What is the best treatment for a rib subluxation and slipping rib syndrome?
At our Oakville chiropractic clinic, Dr. Steve Knighton has successfully treated thousands of patients suffering from rib subluxations or slipping rib syndrome. Many of these patients have endured chronic discomfort for years, often misdiagnosed by multiple healthcare providers.
Our treatment approach focuses on realigning the rib to its proper position while addressing the surrounding soft tissue for lasting relief. Before the rib adjustment, our specialists use evidence-based therapies such as Interferential Current (IFC) therapy, heat therapy, and shockwave therapy. These treatments help relax the muscles and loosen the tissue around the rib, ensuring a smoother, more effective adjustment.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent rib pain, book an appointment today and experience expert care that delivers real results! Get the right diagnosis first! There is a slight difference between a slipped rib and a rib subluxation.
What is a Rib Subluxation?
Rib subluxation can be misdiagnosed by the medical doctors in Oakville. Too many times we get patients complaining of chronic mid back, under the shoulder pain that wraps around to the front of their chest or stomach. Some of these patients have been suffering for months or even years. X-rays, MRI, blood work, days of work for the cardiologist just to come back with negative results. All this pain to have been caused by a misdiagnosed subluxated rib.
If you are suffering from pain, about an inch or so off one side of your spine that you can’t seem to press, pull, or stretch is most likely a problem with your rib head. Welding, vacuuming, sneezing, and yard duties are the major causes. However, in this computer driven society the biggest problem we find at our clinic is a tight and restricted thoracic spine. This causes the rib heads to over compensate in ways they are not meant to work due to the tightness of the mid back. Check out this video by Dr. Steve Knighton, our Oakville Chiropractor, to learn more about Rib Subluxation and how our Oakville Chiropractor treats them!
What Is Slipping Rib Syndrome
4 Steps to Treating Slipped Rib and Rib Subluxations
1. Interferential Current Therapy:
At our Oakville chiropractic clinic, Dr. Steve utilizes Interferential Current (IFC) therapy with advanced vacuum electrodes rather than traditional sticky pads used in most clinics. This method provides a deeper, more effective treatment, helping to control pain and relax the muscles surrounding the subluxated rib and thoracic spine.
Patients often describe IFC as feeling like a deep, soothing massage that not only relieves discomfort but also helps loosen tight tissues causing the slipped rib, making subsequent adjustments more effective. To further enhance blood flow and accelerate the healing process, we combine IFC therapy with targeted heat application, ensuring optimal recovery and long-lasting relief of rib pain.
2. Shockwave Therapy For Rib Pain
Shockwave therapy for slipped ribs and rib subluxations is a cutting-edge, scientifically backed treatment that accelerates healing and relieves rib pain. Using a pneumatic applicator, the device delivers high-energy pulses at a rate of 15 times per second. Our rib pain specialists typically apply between 800 and 1,200 pulses to the affected area, always adjusting the intensity to match the patient’s comfort level. Treatment will vary slightly between a diagnosis of slipped ribbed and a rib subluxation.
This powerful shockwave therapy helps break down adhesions and scar tissue around a misaligned rib while stimulating the formation of new blood vessels. ESWT Shockwave Therapy enhances circulation, promotes long-term healing, and reduces pain, making it an essential part of our comprehensive rib pain treatment protocol.
3. Chiropractic Rib Subluxation Adjustment
Every step of our rib pain treatment is carefully designed to maximize the effectiveness of the adjustment. Rather than rushing through the process, Dr. Steve and his team take the time to prepare the injured area with Interferential Current Therapy (IFC), heat, and shockwave therapy. This preparation reduces muscle tension, promotes circulation, and enhances mobility, allowing for a more effective and comfortable rib adjustment.
For the adjustment itself, Dr. Steve will likely have you lie on your back while positioning his hand behind the affected rib. With a controlled and precise movement, he applies a gentle but firm push—often resulting in instant relief for the patient. Most rib subluxation cases require 4 to 8 visits for pain relief and 8 to 16 visits to fully restore mid-back and rib function.
To further support the healing process, our chiropractors may also adjust the cervical spine and thoracic spine if necessary. This comprehensive, evidence-based approach ensures optimal recovery and long-term relief.
4. Thoracic Spine Treatment For Rib Pain
Thoracic Spine Treatment Video:
Know Your Rib Pain
Some patients enter our clinic with what we think is a Rib Subluxation or a slipping rib syndrome, but it turns out they have your “basic” mid back pain or thoracic spine pain. This is usually a circumstance of working on the computer too much or the more common Text Neck.
Although similar to rib subluxation treatment, thoracic spine treatment is more focused on the spine and correcting posture. Treatment for Thoracic Spine pain can be seen in the video below.
Many diseases and medical conditions can mask themselves as pain in the arms, shoulders, or legs such as heart attacks, stroke, or arthritis. Consult with your medical professional to ensure the pain you are experiencing isn’t something more dangerous or life threatening.
How long does it take a rib subluxation to heal
Unfortunately, in most cases, if the rib does not get put back into place, The subluxated rib will have a hard time to heal if its not put back into place. We have had many patients suffering for decades of slipping rib syndrome or rib subluxations. The healing couldn’t happen because the rib was never put back into place!
What Our Patients Are saying
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Dr. Steve and his staff have been integral in keeping me in shape to continue to train. Dr. Steve understands the peculiarities of my back and is able to treat me in a manner that I am comfortable with and gets results. He is also very helpful in providing alternative... read more
Scott Campbell
December 7, 2024Dr. Steve is professional and friendly. He explained the cause of knee pain and answered all my concerns about the injury. His assistant and all staff at the clinic are really nice and patient. As a tourist, it is very frustrating to have an injury during the trip. However, they... read more
Bo Zhang
August 7, 2024Dr Jenn is great! Love her holistic approach! Not only does she do chiropractic work but also adds physio and acupuncture as needed. She has immensely helped with my back pain. She definitely has a healing touch The centre’s prices are also affordable in comparison to other places in... read more
Nida Siddiqui
December 7, 2024 -
Dr. Jenn is amazing! She truly cares about her patients and is willing to try different things in order to see progress. I’ve been struggling with hip pain for years due to my scoliosis, no physio or chiro has ever been able to make a difference other than her, she... read more
Alexia Davies
June 7, 2024Dr Steve and his staff are amazing. Love his high energy and enthusiasm. Have seen several Dr’s for my shoulder injury and Dr Steve is the only one that has fully explained what’s going on that made sense. Only had a few treatments but already noticing an improvement. Front desk... read more
Steve & Angela Pinder
October 7, 2024Wow! Wow! Wow! Some serious back pain from recent snow event. Sent emergency pleading text yesterday and was squeezed in for an appt BEFORE the clinic even opened. Can’t express my sincere gratitude enough. Over and above 5star service from Dr Steve and the amazing Laura. This wasn’t the... read more
Anna Molar
February 20, 2025 -
Dr. Steve is one of the humble person. He always treats you like a friend and pay attention to your problem. Moreover, he politely explains each and every problem and solutions. The staff of this clinic is also very good. All the staff greets you. When you are waiting at... read more
Sanyam Jain
August 7, 2024I’ve been seeing Dr. Steve for the past few months, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the care and attention I’ve received. From the very first visit, Dr. Steve took the time to thoroughly assess my concerns and explain the treatment plan in detail. I’ve struggled with neck pain... read more
Anjana Bhaskaran
December 10, 2024I have been struggling with De Quervain’s for over 9 months and found Dr. Steve on YouTube a few weeks ago. Cannot recommend this clinic enough, if you have any wrist/thumb mobility issues they will help you! After 3 weeks of treatment here I can finally say I feel better... read more
Aleksia Petrov
June 7, 2024
Rib Pain Red Flags: When to Seek Medical Attention
Red flags associated with rib pain or suspected slipping rib syndrome should always be carefully screened to rule out more serious underlying conditions. While most rib-related pain is mechanical and musculoskeletal in nature, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. Seek urgent care if pain is severe, constant, or worsening without a clear mechanical trigger, especially if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pressure, or pain radiating into the arm, jaw, or upper back, as these may indicate cardiac involvement.
Additional red flags include fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer, which may suggest infection or more serious systemic disease. Significant trauma, such as a fall or motor vehicle accident, raises concern for rib fracture or internal injury. Neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness extending into the torso or lower extremities should also be assessed further.
Pain that does not change with movement, breathing, or position, or that wakes you at night, may indicate a non-mechanical source. If symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative care, worsen over time, or present atypically, further medical investigation including imaging or specialist referral is recommended to ensure safe and accurate diagnosis.
Rib Subluxation FAQs
- What is rib subluxation?
- What is the difference between rib subluxation and slipping rib syndrome?
- What does rib subluxation feel like?
- What causes rib subluxation?
- How is rib subluxation treated?
- How long does it take rib subluxation to heal?
- How can I tell if I have a rib subluxation?
- What does subluxation mean?
- Should I ice or heat a rib subluxation?
A rib subluxation is when the rib head on near the spine gets out of place. It can cause pain in the back or in the ribs that wrap around your torso.
Rib subluxation refers to a restricted or slightly displaced rib joint, often near the spine, causing localized pain and stiffness. Slipping rib syndrome involves increased mobility of the lower ribs, where the cartilage allows the rib to move excessively, sometimes causing clicking sensations and sharp, intermittent pain.
A rib subluxation can feel like you are being stabbed in the back or lung. Other rib pain could include referral around the torso along the ribs, pain in the neck or upper back or pain under the shoulder blade.
Popping a rib out is usually caused from a sudden movement or bad posture. The number one cause of a rib subluxation at our Oakville clinic is computer posture and how the patient handles the mouse. This rib pain is usually behind the right shoulder blade and caused from reaching out for the mouse.
The main component of treating a rib subluxation is a manual chiropractic adjustment. The chiropractor will lie the patient on their back, put their hand where the rib is out of place and give the patient a big hug. At our clinic “all” rib pain treatment begins with 10 minutes of IFC and heat combined with shockwave therapy to loosen up the affected tissue keeping the rib out of place.
Patients who seek treatment early on in a rib subluxation problem will get relief in 1 to 3 visits. To completely heal the rib it will usually take between 8 and 16 visits.
You will have pain about an inch of two off the spine. It could hurt when you cough, when you take a deep breath or when you move or reach.
Subluxation means the joint is out of place but not enough be be called dislocated.
We heat the injured rib during treatment to make sure the tissue is loose enough for the rib adjustment. After that we recommend the patient ices the treated area to decrease inflammation and allow for healing.