Rib Flares

Uses

How it works

Benefits

Risks & contraindications

Comparisons

Highlighted claims

• A rib flare is a protrusion of the lower rib cage where the ribs visibly stick out when viewed from the side. — Rib Flares, Posterior Thorax Expansion, and Movement Screen Assessment
• Rib flares and the infrasternal angle are distinct concepts that should not be conflated because they represent different things requiring different treatments. — Rib Flares, Posterior Thorax Expansion, and Movement Screen Assessment
• Rib flares occur in both narrow and wide infrasternal angle individuals, but differ meaningfully in appearance, underlying muscular deficiency, and required intervention. — Rib Flares, Posterior Thorax Expansion, and Movement Screen Assessment
• The root cause of rib flares is a loss of zone of apposition combined with failure of the abdominal muscles to pull the rib cage inferiorly. — Rib Flares, Posterior Thorax Expansion, and Movement Screen Assessment
• Narrow infrasternal angle rib flares are treated with symmetrical forward reaching combined with prolonged exhalation through an open mouth. — Rib Flares, Posterior Thorax Expansion, and Movement Screen Assessment
• Wide infrasternal angle rib flares are treated by reaching arms overhead with forceful exhalation, which closes the infrasternal angle and recruits the deficient musculature. — Rib Flares, Posterior Thorax Expansion, and Movement Screen Assessment
• Increased lumbar lordosis and anterior innominate rotation increase the visual prominence and functional significance of rib flares but do not cause them independently. — Rib Flares, Posterior Thorax Expansion, and Movement Screen Assessment
• Addressing rib flares is clinically worthwhile when they co-occur with mobility limitations or reduced movement variability, as correcting rib cage position can expand movement capability. — Rib Flares, Posterior Thorax Expansion, and Movement Screen Assessment