Rib pain

[dieselrower1k]

Out of the blue, I had moderate pain in the upper right rib area, just under the pec. This was while warming up for a race @ Sunshine State. Raced 3 times, the pain did not subside, but neither did it worsen. During the next week I got off the water and only usied an elliptical machine or erged. Pain slightly worse, accompanied by a slight clicking/popping in the area as I breathe. Is this an injury one can "tough it out " or should I cross train to allow the area to heal, which means missing some races ?

[lt.wolf]

I am no Dr. but sounds like a pull. Try warming up well, even taking a warm shower before rowing. Should help relax the muscle a bit.

[Remomex]

Is this an injury one can "tough it out " or should I cross train to allow the area to heal, which means missing some races ?

As with back injuries, rib injuries are not something you want to mess around with and "tough it out" on. I'd bike for the next week or two and see if the pain/discomfort subsides. If not, go see a doctor.

Definitely don't tough it out, though.

[aks753]

Is this an injury one can "tough it out " or should I cross train to allow the area to heal, which means missing some races ?

As with back injuries, rib injuries are not something you want to mess around with and "tough it out" on. I'd bike for the next week or two and see if the pain/discomfort subsides. If not, go see a doctor.

Definitely don't tough it out, though.

+1 on don't tough it out. I have had pain in the exact same spot for about 8 weeks. I tried for several weeks to keep rowing and it got worse and am now in week two off the water. Could be a pulled muscle, stress fracture or inflamed cartilage, but the treatment is the same. I was told I have Tietze syndrome, which is essentially inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs.

[Norm]

Real rib injuries heal slowly. But it may be a subluxation, which is a partial dislocation of the rib. Common in women rowers. If so, it can be manipulated into place, and with some care you can row immediately. See a pro.