injured serratus anterior

[chorb]

I must have over exerted myself last night playing competitive softball. About half way through the game (after one particular long throw) I noticed a sharp pain in my ribs (~4 inches below my armpit). I was then having pain when I would take deep breaths or make a throwing motion (played the rest of the game); then last night while I was attempting to sleep I was having severe pain when laying down or moving.

I looked up the muscles in that region and it looks to be the serratus anterior although I cant be sure, maybe the intercostal muscle instead.

Has anyone here had an injury like this? Are there any good stretches or advice someone can offer to aid in recovery?

Note: I'm going to be playing again next Sunday, I realize it will hurt, but if I dont play we have to forfeit as we are already down 2 players from injury.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Well, it may be muscle or it could be something to do with the rib. Did anybody run into you? Take a baseball to the side or anything? It doesn't sound like the muscle would hurt like this, but I have cracked ribs and that's exactly how it's felt. Stretch it out and ice it. See how it feels after. Take some ibuprofen too to help with any potential swelling.

 

[chorb]

No, there was no physical contact with anything. Its not swollen and its not bruised. Painful to the touch though.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: chorb
No, there was no physical contact with anything. Its not swollen and its not bruised. Painful to the touch though.

Just edited my post. Try to stretch it out and ice it. Take some ibuprofen 'cause if there's an injury, there's swelling, even if you can't see it.

 

[chorb]

Thanks for advice, I'll med up and stretch it out. I suppose if its not feeling any better in a few days I'll see the doc.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: chorb
Thanks for advice, I'll med up and stretch it out. I suppose if its not feeling any better in a few days I'll see the doc.

That's probably best. The ibuprofen and ice will help no matter, whether it's muscular or something else. Good luck with it, man. Let us know how it feels in a couple of days.