Can my teen speed up recovery from cracked ribs?

With rib injuries, we tend not to breathe very deeply. Pain relief is important to reduce the risk of developing a chest infection. This is because the movement of the ribs is painful, so we try to reduce it

Tue, 20 May, 2025 - 02:00

3156122_1_org_phil_kieran_Circle_headshot

Dr Phil Kieran

General Practitioner

My daughter, who's 15, tripped and cracked her ribs two weeks ago. She's following the doctor's advice and taking things easy. She is sitting the Junior Cert next month and wants to be well for the exams. Is there anything she can do to speed up the healing process?

Rib injuries can be incredibly painful, and I can’t imagine having this on top of the stress of having to sit State exams. Fortunately for your daughter, she is likely already through the worst of the pain by now and should be more or less pain-free by the time the exams come around.

Already a subscriber? Sign in