Inverted V from up the pole and rib pains

junkie started this discussion · 1/9/2014

Hi, the first time I did an inverted V from up the pole, I ended up with a pain in my ribs. That was over two months ago. I took a break for about a month. Last night, I did another aerial V and I think I have a similar pain in my ribs again (I either aggravated the old injury OR I reinjured myself. AHHH). Has anyone experienced anything similar and does anyone have any tips for dealing with this?

7 replies

Sierra Taye · 1/9/2014
One thing I could think of is you might not be placing your body right when you start the invert. But that wouldn't be possible to tell unless you had a video. Of course, I am not a doctor, but like with any injury, it's probably best to take a break from moves involving that body part. You can always work on floorwork or splits or something! Just listen to your body, and perhaps get it checked out by a doctor! :) Maybe someone else will have better insight. Good luck, keep us updated!
junkie · 1/9/2014
Oh, damn. I think you're right. I should take a video and check that out. WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF IT EARLIER OMG. Think I need to mention that I'm willing to cut back on practising a LOT but not to actually not attend class. ._. I paid for the whole term already and it's quite a large sum for a student (I work so I can afford pole classes on my allowance, haha). THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE. (:
polergirl · 1/9/2014
That sounds like it could maybe be a strain in your inrercostals. Those take a LOOOOONG time to heal, in my experience anyway. Definitely see a doctor and follow any/all rehab suggestions from him/her. Good luck!
Skullpixie · 1/9/2014
Did you try soaking in a bath of Epsom salts I find these help with strains they have helped my recent strain in my adductor muscle heat is great, I also used a hot water bottle too it's gotten so much better. :)
Veena · 1/9/2014
Everyone has great advice. Post a video once you're feeling better, also the lessons here have some great ways to build up to Aerial Inverts, they take time. If you don't have the lessons, check out this video, it has some great tips for inverting that can save your back! http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLyXWQXP3dueofybLatPPuLCbvfSPF2oSF&feature=plpp&v=rJ3V_2DsxgE
khall1736 · 1/10/2014
I had the exact same problem and the pain eventually carried all the way around my rib cage to my back, and ultimately settled in my back (scapula area) or I injured the scapular muscles too. I ended up having to stop all pole activity for a couple of months, I took anti-inflammatory drugs like crazy, iced it some when it really hurt, and starting getting some regular massages. Once I finally started feeling better I began doing scapula exercises and working again on my upper body strength training. Eventually it all healed and is fine now, but it did take a long time. Good luck and I hope you get relief soon.
Invertedmonkey · 1/11/2014
I know the feeling. Last year I was working on inverted Vs at the studio with a cover teacher who told me that if I'm able to do a normal invert I should be able to do a V one (not true!). She also told me it was absolutely fine to jump up like crazy to get the move so off I went jumping and desperately trying to get into my V invert without success for a large portion of the class. After class I noticed my rib cage all the way through to my back felt like I had pulled a muscle. The next day I was going on a ski trip and skiied through the pain for a week, by the end it felt like I was being constantly stabbed in the back. Although the immediate pain eventually went away in about a month, a lesser but still persistent pain remained with me for about 8 months. Even now almost a year after, I can still feel it slightly in certain moves but not to the extent as before. As people have already said, take a long break. I didn't and carried the pain with me for that long, not recommended.