Intercostal Neuralgia

To summarize the relationship between exercise and intercostal neuralgia: ① Exercises to avoid: heavy barbell rows, sudden rotational twists, excessive chest wall stretching such as pull-ups and dips, and contact sports. ② Exercises that can be done carefully: brisk walking (restoring natural breathing rhythm while walking), stretching (thoracic extension and lateral flexion, intercostal relaxation). ③ Highly recommended: abdominal breathing training (relaxing intercostal muscles and supplying oxygen), swimming (minimizing chest wall load by utilizing buoyancy), gentle yoga, or Qigong. Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic: In Korean medicine, movement is an important means of circulating Qi and blood, but incorrect movements can actually cause blood clots to solidify. Movements that gently open the sides of the torso and chest (deep breathing while raising both arms wide to the sides, stretching the sides alternately on the right and left) directly help facilitate the flow. At Dongjedang, we guide you through the possible range of motion tailored to your treatment stage, and provide exercises that gently stretch the body in conjunction with breathing, adapted for you to perform at home.