What does rib flare look like?

As the name implies, rib flare is a physical ailment where the lowest section of the rib cage protrudes outward and upward, giving the appearance of "flaring out" rather than sloping down smoothly.

You may notice that the lower ribs, in particular, stick out or push forward more than usual in a person standing straight without a shirt on or wearing a fitting top. 

When viewed from the side or at an angle, this is more obvious. Instead of being smooth or having a more natural downward slope, the rib cage has a tendency to curve outward across the lower ribs.

When rib flare is linked to diseases like scoliosis, it can occasionally be more noticeable on one side. Sometimes it could be less overt and perceptible. Lifting the arms or arching the back can emphasize the outward curve of the lower ribcage, making rib flare normally more noticeable.

However, keep in mind that every person's body is unique and that there is a wide spectrum of what might be regarded as normal. 

The best course of action is to speak with a doctor or physical therapist if you have any concerns about the way your rib cage looks, or if it is making you uncomfortable or causing other problems.

Notice the ribs in each position of exercise the skeleton is depicted in: 

Is rib flare rare?

Even though the prevalence of rib flare might vary greatly depending on the etiology, it is not extremely uncommon. 

People with bad posture or weak abdominal muscles are frequently affected, especially those who spend a lot of time sitting down. People who regularly breathe from their chest rather than their diaphragm may also experience it.

Less frequent bone disorders that can produce rib flare include scoliosis and pectus excavatum. These ailments are however remain generally well-known and frequently seen in physical therapy settings.

Keep in mind that rib flare is frequently not a cause for concern, but it might be a sign of other problems. It can be wise to see a doctor to rule out any underlying issues if you or someone else develops a rib flare.

How Do You Address Rib Flare?

The management of rib flare frequently centers on dealing with the underlying cause. This can involve physical therapy, core stability, and posture-improving exercises, as well as breathing drills that encourage diaphragmatic breathing as opposed to chest breathing.

Physical therapy can assist to strengthen weakened muscles and improve posture. This helps relieve any discomfort associated with rib flare, such as back pain or muscular stress, in addition to addressing its aesthetic element. 

It is frequently advised to perform workouts for the core like planks, dead bugs, and bird dogs.

On the other side, when chest breathing causes rib flare, breathing exercises are essential. By retraining the body to breathe from the diaphragm, these workouts hope to lessen pressure on the rib cage when it rises.

When skeletal issues are the cause of rib flare, treatment may combine physical therapy, exercises, and in rare situations, surgical surgery. It's always advisable to speak with a healthcare professional to figure out the best course of action in each unique circumstance.

Can You Completely Fix Rib Flare?

The root cause of rib flare has a significant impact on whether it can be "completely fixed".

When rib flare is brought on by bad posture or weak abdominal muscles, it may frequently be greatly reduced or even eliminated with focused physical therapy and certain exercises designed to strengthen the core and correct body alignment.

By learning and implementing breathing techniques that emphasize using the diaphragm, rib flare that is habitually induced by chest breathing as opposed to diaphragmatic breathing can be reduced.

The situation can be more complicated if the rib flare is brought on by skeletal issues like scoliosis or pectus excavatum. 

Exercise and physical therapy can help manage the symptoms and enhance posture, but they might not be able to entirely stop the rib flare. Surgery may be required in certain extreme circumstances.

It's crucial to remember that every person's situation is different, and treatment outcomes can change. Therefore, for individualized guidance and treatment alternatives, it is always better to speak with a healthcare expert or a physical therapist.

Does Exercise Help With Rib Flare?

For strengthening the core, exercises like the plank, bird-dog, and dead bug are frequently suggested. In addition, the emphasis on body alignment, core stability, and mindful movement seen in Pilates and yoga may be helpful.

If habitual chest breathing is the cause of the rib flare, breathing techniques may be helpful. By improving the body's ability to use the diaphragm, these workouts help to lessen the upward strain on the ribcage. 

Conclusion

Although the word "rib flare" may seem frightening, the illness is controllable once understood. Understanding the causes, effects, and available treatments will help you manage the issue whether you're experiencing it yourself or know someone who is. 

When dealing with physical ailments like rib flare, keep in mind that while online tools are useful, it is always preferable to speak with a healthcare professional.

Call 512-215-4227 to learn more about how we can help you with your rib flare. Our physical therapy and pilates programs are designed to improve your core strength and postural awareness, so you know where your ribs are in space and how to improve the position. 

External Links:

See what the National Institutes of Health have to say about flaring the rib cage at here.

Read more about How to Fix Flared Ribs.

Read my blog to learn about GYROTONIC in Austin - GYROTONIC in Westlake Hills, Texas.

What is Gyrotonic?

GYROTONIC ® is an exercise and movement system developed by Julio Horvath, originally from Romania. Mr Horvath was a professional dancer when injuries to his back and Achilles forced his retirement from the Houston Ballet. He ended up in the mountains on a small island and spent his days refining his yoga practice.

This led to exploration with wood working to build an exercise machine to provide assistance and resistance to a yoga practice. His work was originally called Yoga for Dancers and he began teaching in New York City in the 1980s at White Cloud Studio.

Since then he has introduced the world to the Gyrotonic Method and has invented multiple pieces of GYROTONIC specialized equipment; the Jump Stretch Board, the Archway, the Leg Extension Unit, and the Gyrotoner. Since the 80s, GYROTONIC has grown and is now in fitness studios and rehab centers across the world.

 Julio founded the work with meditation and a deep exploration of movement. His brother Paul is a Physical Therapist in Germany and has been using the GYROTONIC Method with his Physical therapy patients since the early 90s. 

What is a GYROKINESIS?

Gyrokinesis is the mat version under the GYROTONIC umbrella. GYROTONIC exercise is performed on the GYROTONIC Tower or one of the specialized pieces mentioned above while GYROKINESIS is performed on a mat or on a stool/chair. GYROKINESIS can be performed at home or in a class setting in a studio. GYROKINESIS is a rhythmic movement of the spine in all directions while using core strength and overall body engagement as able. 

Who can benefit the most from the GYROTONIC Equipment?

The GYROTONIC Tower is a very diverse piece of exercise equipment that is unique secondary to its handles that allow spiral and rotation motions. Many of the unique GYROTONIC exercises are performed in sitting. Sitting is a primary issue with most people today as they sit too much and in poor, slouched posture, typically looking down at technology in their lap. Exercises are also performed laying on your back, stomach or side, as well as kneeling or standing. 

There are hundreds and hundreds of exercises that can be done on the Gyrotonic Equipment. With that said, We have had clients on the Gyrotonic Equipment from the wheelchair bound, to the everyday person, to the professional dancer and athletes.

Our Physical Therapists have worked with physical therapy patients utilizing the GYROTONIC Equipment with back pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle injuries, neck pain, headaches, shoulder problems, balance issues, neurological dysfunctions and post operative for all types of Orthopedic surgeries. To answer the question, most people can benefit from using the GYROTONIC Equipment with a Certified Gyrotonic Instructor in a Personal Training or Physical Therapy session. 

Should I start with GYROKINESIS or GYROTONIC?

In my opinion, GYROKINESIS is harder than the GYROTONIC Tower or equipment work, at least initially. With the GYROTONIC Tower, the resistive handles, pulleys and weights assist you with learning GYROTONIC concepts. It makes it easier to learn the initial concepts of Gyrotonic exercise with assistance from the machine.

GYROKINESIS work is you and your body on the stool or an exercise mat working against gravity with no assistance at all. GYROKINESIS is cheaper and more accessible at the local gyms and fitness centers. Many people start with GYROKINESIS for these reasons but I highly recommend doing a few Private GYROTONIC Tower sessions first and then progressing to group GYROKINESIS and GYROTONIC Tower classes.

In a private session, you will get all of the attention and be able to ask as many questions as you have. In a group class, you are one of three students and individual attention is no longer the priority. Group classes are designed to give your body practice and precision over and over again once you have an understanding of the basics.

Where can I do GYROTONIC exercise in Austin | Westlake Hills?

 We have Physical Therapists and GYROTONIC Fitness Instructors at CORE Therapy & Pilates that are Certified GYROTONIC Instructors. The GYROTONIC Physical Therapist use the GYROTONIC Equipment with their physical therapy patients.

Our personal trainers are Certified GYROTONIC Instructors and offer private GYROTONIC exercise sessions and group GYROTONIC Tower Classes. All of our sessions are 55 minutes and are offered at our full GYROTONIC and Pilates studio at 3534 Bee Caves Rd, Ste 110 in Raintree Office Park.

Our group GYROTONIC Tower classes are very small with a maximum of 3 students. 

Our private GYROTONIC exercise sessions include the use of the Jump Stretch Board, the Archway, the Leg Extension Unit, and the Gyrotoner as indicated by your goals.

Find CORE listed on the GYROTONIC website HERE.

Do you sit for work all day?

Do you feel stiff in your spine? 

Are you having mobility issues with your hip or shoulders? 

Do you love the cat - cow or cat - damel exercise in yoga? 

If you answered yes to any of these, then it is time to call us at 512-215-4227 to get started NOW! 

Order your GYROKINESIS DVD from Amazon…

The Paper Challenge - A Fitness Challenge with Cheryl Dunn and Kathy Trow. Cheryl and Kathy are Certified Pilates and GYROTONIC®  Instructors attempting the Paper Challenge on their lunch break at CORE Therapy & Pilates…

Laughter leads to curiosity

I was hearing some commotion around the corner during lunch at the studio and I was very interested in the laughter. I walked around the corner to find this happening… The paper challenge!

Cheryl was standing on one leg and trying to pick up a piece of paper off the floor with her mouth. I was confused and Kathy mentioned it was a social media challenge that her kids had taught her.

I then watched Cheryl and Kathy attempt two different levels of the paper challenge and was thoroughly impressed with the activity. My physical therapist brain kicked in as I was watching them lose their balance and Cheryl fell…

How do you do the paper challenge?

The paper challenge is a great test of balance, strength, mobility and coordination. Standing on one leg is a challenge for many people, even if just a for a second or two.

Then you must have the ankle strength and mobility to allow you to initiate and maintain the bend forward from the hip and spine. Core strength is tested as this is truly a dynamic balance activity. And it was fun to watch with the camera in hand.

Why is it important?

Most that try this will not be able to do it and it should not be attempted if you have balance issues.

What was interesting to me was to watch both Cheryl and Kathy start to rotate their spine and twist as they were getting really close to the paper. When Kathy switched legs, did it make it easier or harder for her?

Well, that is the paper challenge social media challenge coming to you from the lunch break at CORE Therapy & Pilates in Westlake Hills | Austin, Texas.

Call 512-215-4227 to address your balance issues in Austin | Westlake Hills.

Do you have balance issues with standing on one leg to get dressed? Does the sight of them doing the paper challenge make you want to run and hide from your balance issues? If so then give us a call at 512.215.4227 so that we can learn more about your balance concerns and get you pointed in the right direction with our Physical Therapy or Pilates/Gyrotonic Team…

Check out the video that got Cheryl and Kathy going HERE.

Learn more about balance, vertigo and dizziness by clicking on our recent blogs…

https://therapyandpilates.com/vertigo-and-dizziness-treatment/

https://therapyandpilates.com/difference-between-vertigo-and-dizziness/

https://therapyandpilates.com/tips-for-vertigo-and-dizziness

[C] Hi, I'm Cheryl and today we're here with Andrea, our Pilates Instructor and GYROTONIC ® Instructor here at CORE Therapy & Pilates. Andrea tell us a little bit about your teaching and what all you teach here at CORE. 

[A] I’m Andrea. I teach GYROTONIC and Gyrokinesis. Also, I teach on the GYROTONIC Jump Stretch Board, Gyrotoner, and Leg Extension Unit. I teach Pilates, including the Reformer, Cadillac, and Pilates Chair. 

I've taught yoga and all types of movement, I love movement... 

[C] What brought you to Pilates? I know that's what you came to first.

[A] Great question, I was rehabbing a hip replacement with Pilates and I had done the PT (Physical Therapy) and started using the Pilates to find the strength, the length... 

[C] You’ve had one hip replacement? 

[A] I have had both of my hips replaced... 

[C] Both hips and one thing I want to point out here is that Andrea is 60 and super fit. I asked permission, she said I could. I want to put that out because of the testimony to the hard work you have put in. She's very active. You teach all day long. You have an active personal life and I think that's a testament to the work... 

[A] No question, I totally agree with you, yeah, absolutely the truth. 

[C] You love teaching, that's obvious. You can tell that when you work with Andrea, you can tell she loves it. Are there some stories that you have about teaching that are like, this is why I teach!

[A] That’s a great question. I look for small victories with my teaching. Everybody comes in and we all have stuff. The body absorbs the stuff and it shows in the body, whether you've been in an accident or not. You know, we all have compromises and trauma. So I work from where you are and I go for the small victories in terms of last week you couldn't hold the strap, this week you can. I like to build like that... 

[C] It’s very rewarding, to see that. There's a trust. A trust that comes with the authenticity of you... 

[A] Oh absolutely. I think it's CORE as well. I have a good teacher.

[C] Well, thank you… Tell me what have you learned about your own body through doing the work? I see her working out all the time, you know in a healthy manner. 

[A] You get a little in here and there. There's all the equipment here at the studio so we're here to move. With Gyrotonic and Pilates the way that your body starts to move just as you navigate space and how you move through your day. I feel like the work just helps to allow you to find a bigger expression or more safe movement.

[C] When somebody that’s never done Pilates asks you, What is Pilates? How do you answer?

[A] I say it's a movement modality that we use with a specialized machines that allows you to find more space in your body, that allows you to start to move in a way that you didn't know you could. However, the body is designed to move that way. Pilates counteracts the compression that we walk around with, that we all have. 

[C] Compression that we're getting from things that aren't going away like gravity, stress, and using phones in slouched posture. The modern lifestyle…

[A] It’s so true. All of that sort of stuff is not going away and so this work helps you counterbalance that.

[C] Okay, so another question? So you answered what Pilates is and I know that the answer you gave probably could fit for GYROTONIC  as well... 

[A] Absolutely… 

[C] Because we're working for that same thing, the space in the body that creates the stability and the suppleness but people often ask what's the difference between Pilates and GYROTONIC ? In your words?

[A] I think GYROTONIC allows you to move in more of a circular, organic fashion. Pilates has a lot of linear movement. GYROTONIC allows you to move in diagonal and circular motion, which is how we are supposed to move anyways. 

[C] Perfect, I think this is a great explanation about what you do here, what you teach, what you believe, and how you serve it up to people and really meet them where they're at. 

[A] It’s like I said, meet people where they're at and I think we're kind of a more low-key, without a lot of bells and whistles. We don't care about what you're wearing when you come to see us... 

[C] We’re not about crossfit Pilates... 

[A] No I mean we're about learning about your body…

[C] Awesome, well thank you for telling me your story today. I hope you guys enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

Call 512-215-4227 to book your Intro to Pilates 3 Pack with Andrea! 

Have you tried the GYROTONIC® exercise method for your scoliosis?

What is all the rage about GYROTONIC® and how it can improve your spinal curves? 

Please subscribe to our channel. We provide content on health and wellness, physical therapy, pilates, GYROTONIC®  exercise, and teacher training.

How can GYROTONIC® exercise help my scoliosis and spinal pain? 

By the end of this, you will have a much better understanding of how this new exercise system is sweeping the fitness world…

My name is Cheryl Dunn and I’ve helped hundreds of clients with this scoliosis over the past two decades and can’t wait to help you!

What is GYROTONIC® ?

Spinal strength in all directions, flexion and extension, rotation, side bending, and every combination of them as possible in a safe setting with spinal elevation for decompression of the vertebra and disc…

After watching my kids do zoom school for a year because of the pandemic, I noticed a digression in their strength and posture. We had a room at the studio that was lightly used and mostly for storage that I decided to turn into a private weight training area.

I purchased a squat rack, barbells, plates, free weights, and a few other toys and got the kids coming to a Pilates + Weight Training for Teens class.

Every once in a while we turn it into a Gyrotonic + Weight Training for Teens class as well. 

The weights are a treat for them for the second half of the class. We start with Pilates and after 30 minutes move over to the weights. They really enjoy it and I have had my kids come to do Pilates for years.

They never really wanted to do the Pilates only class but as soon as I added the weights in, they love it. What is interesting is the kids who are new to Pilates but seasoned in the weight room are stronger on the weights but have poor form in Pilates.

My kids are stronger on the Pilates equipment and are starting to apply the Pilates concepts to the weights… It is so fun to teach and watch. Today I decided to do a class simulation but started with the weights and progressed to the Gyrotonic equipment.

I really like that order but not sure if the teens will go for it. As I am closer to 50 than ever before, the weights followed by my entire body's stretching and fluid motion on the Gyrotonic Tower felt great.

Call 512.215.4227 to tell us if you would be interested in an adult Pilates/Gyrotonic + Weight Training class or private session.

So Cheryl, tell us why you got into Pilates and how it's helped you through your, through the last 20 years of your life?

I got into Pilates because I naturally liked to exercise and move and at the time I got into it I was sitting at a desk most of the day for my job and then I was struggling to find a time in my day where I could fit movement in and I thought what a great opportunity to be able to make movement something I get paid to do. 

So that way I wasn't having to sit by the desk trying to squeeze in movement outside of this working all day long. I was able to actually start moving for a living and then I realized how great I felt and that continued to keep me doing it and it continued to spark the joy that I find when I get to share this with other people and give them the opportunity to feel as good as I do.

And you hit on something as far as feeling good but let me ask you one more question as far as your pain, I know you've had a lot of pain, back pain, some issues as a cheerleader and a gymnast as a child.

Tell me a little bit of how pilates has helped with your pain and how it could help someone else suffering from pain?

Well, I wouldn't say that you know, I live this completely pain-free life. Occasionally my back will bother me again and you know usually it's when I'm not staying active and not doing my regular stuff but if I stay, continue with my practice and I stay doing it regularly, I find that I can live at a capacity of doing anything I want to do. I mean I still run. I can jump into somebody else's class here and there and not worried about getting hurt and I'm as active as I was in my 20s.

Awesome. Thanks!

Call 512-215-4227 to start your Pilates Journey with us…

 Welcome, It's CORE Therapy & Pilates,

It's Stephen and Cheryl and today is our 16^th anniversary at CORE Therapy and Pilates, as far as being open.

No, but…

It’s not our anniversary. We’re a few years behind that.

It’s our anniversary at this location.

So, we’ve been here 16 years, tax day. And when we first moved in into this space, we didn’t even have enough equipment to fill it.

We only had one Gyrotonic machine, we had four Pilate’s machines and we definitely did not have enough equipment for the space.

Now, we got two spaces. It’s completely socially distance.

We have all of our GYROTONIC equipment’s socially distance, we have all of our Pilates equipment’s in the back socially distance. And with that said, we’re gonna offer a special discount today.

So, for the first five people that call or text in, we’re gonna offer you 16% off in light of our 16 ^{years here. Out of anything you wanna purchase. Whether it’s a private session, a ten pack, a five pack, a session with Stephen.}

^{Anything we offer, we’re gonna offer you 16% off. So, go ahead. Call or text course number, 512-215-4227}

That’s right, that’s right. And so, we really wanna thank each and every one of you who’ve been a part of helping us grow this business in this time. We know it’s been a crazy year. Last year when we celebrated this, it was at home with no one at the office.

And today, we had people here this morning. And  we’re empty now but it was such a nice feeling to have people in the studio. 

Exercising, getting healthy, getting back to their lives and doing the things that they love. And we’re really grateful for each and every one of you who’ve been a part of helping us grow and we wanna thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

So, what is the hype about GYROTONIC® and this funny looking machine?

For the best health and wellness tips, subscribe to my channel and click on the bell. So what is GYROTONIC® and this interesting looking machine?

By the end of this video, I’ll answer those questions and I hope you’ll have a better understanding of what is GYROTONIC® and what it can do for you.

I’m Cheryl Dunn. I’m a master trainer of GYROTONIC® here at CORE Therapy and Pilates at Austin Texas. I helped hundreds of people reach their goals to become more active and more fit and just feel better through GYROTONIC®.

So, what is GYROTONIC®? And what is this crazy machine?

So GYROTONIC® exercise is a form of exercise that incorporates the whole body.

This machine has this handle system that really allows your body to move in 360. To where there’s no beginning and no end to a movement. You’re just moving to a full range. To really build strength and flexibility and increase blood flow and oxygen flow throughout the body.

There’s also a pulley system here. That you would hook your hands or your feat in. And by having a pulley system that you can hook on to, I can really see the body work in its own side by side.

You know, if one side tends to move a little bit more than the other, the pulley system really allows that. It also allows for an equal distribution of the weight throughout the movement.

So, the system and the machine are very unique and super beneficial to help you build strength and flexibility and just help you feel better all over.

So, go ahead, comment if this video has helped you. Subscribe to our channel. Go to our website and opt in to our free report on what is GYROTONIC®.