Rib Subluxation Treatment Oakville
What is a Rib Subluxation?
Dr. Steve and his chiropractic team treat new cases of rib pain, commonly referred to as “rib subluxations,” every day. This condition typically presents as sharp or aching pain on one side of the spine, approximately 2-3 cm from the midline. While rib misalignments most often occur around or behind the shoulder blade, they can happen anywhere along the spine.
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, 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.
Anatomy of Rib Subluxation:
Rib Pain Treatment Video:
What is the best treatment for a rib subluxation?
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 Our Patients Are saying
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Dr. Steve & his team were amazing. Helped me with my back pain, always had great appointment times available and got me in and out in a timely manner. I would highly recommend for your chiropractic needs.
Nicole Romkema
September 7, 2024Phenomenal service and care. Dr Steve and his staff are always very welcoming and knowledgeable.
AdrianFootball 97
February 6, 2025Dr. Steve and his assistant Laura did a great job of healing my jaw pain. Laura was always so professional and her Shockwave treatment really helped ease the pain.
Suzanne Di Stefano [Staff]
June 7, 2024 -
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, 2024Dr Steve is friendly, efficient and above all knowledgeable. He’s helped with my plantar fasciitis and is now moving on to my tennis elbow! I never need to wait. His staff are amazing!
Katherine Babb
September 7, 2024 -
Awesome experience. Very welcoming and always left feeling rejuvenated
John Stones
July 7, 2024Dr Steve and team have transformed my neck and upper back. They worked their magic to help release tension and my sleep is much better. Bonus - they love dogs so mine come to appts for social visits!
Vidya B
September 7, 2024My husband and I have been attending the Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre for almost a year now, and we are so pleased. Dr. Jenn is consistently professional, caring and helpful to both of us for our physio well-being. She is a brightness to our day every time we visit. The... read more
Elle S
February 13, 2025
![Suzanne Di Stefano [Staff] Avatar](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVVBaTrZmdNMyTEvH2oSjRTe9OJv9g3RWcD3b6nbFw36AAxGNuG=s120-c-rp-mo-br100)
What is a Rib Subluxation or a Slip Rib?
Rib subluxation are almost always 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!
4 Steps to Treating Rib Pain
1. Interferential Current Therapy:
At our Oakville chiropractic clinic, we utilize 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 rib and spine.
Patients often describe IFC as feeling like a deep, soothing massage that not only relieves discomfort but also helps loosen tight tissues, 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.
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 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.
Rib Subluxation FAQs
- What is rib subluxation?
- 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.
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.