- Reference Number: HEY1013/2025
- Departments: Emergency Department
- Last Updated: 25 November 2025
Introduction
This advice sheet has been produced to give you information about soft tissue, chest injuries and rib fractures. It is not meant to replace discussion between you and the healthcare professional looking after you. If after reading it you require further explanation, please discuss this with the relevant person who has been caring for you.
Soft Tissue Injury / Rib Fractures
You have been assessed by a practitioner as having a chest injury. Most injuries are identified as soft tissue injuries to the chest area. This includes chest wall bruising and muscular sprains. However, there may be uncomplicated rib fractures present.
The practitioner caring for you will have examined you and determined if you require an X-ray. The X-ray will be undertaken to rule out any damage to the lungs or pleural cavity (not to diagnose rib fractures).
The results of any examinations will be discussed with you prior to being discharged from hospital by the team caring for you.
Symptoms you may have
Chest injuries are often painful, particularly when you breathe in. Pain can usually be managed with regular paracetamol, and if appropriate, anti-inflammatories.
Pain often feels worse 2 to 3 days following the injury but may last up to 6 weeks. Pain may not be present at rest but may be triggered by moving, coughing, sneezing, or deep breathing. If you need to cough or sneeze, hold and support the area which is painful. Hugging a pillow or rolled towel may help with this. There is no need to strap the chest as it is important to encourage deep breathing.
Bruising may or may not be present and can take between 2 to 4 weeks to heal.
Caring for your Chest / Rib Injuries
Chest infections are one of the most common complications following a chest injury. This is due to pain from your chest injury limiting your ability to take deep breaths, cough, or move around as normal.
Deep breathing exercises are extremely important for the prevention of chest infections and should be carried out at least every hour whilst you are awake. Taking 5 to 10 slow deep breaths (as deeply as you can) every hour will reduce the chances of you developing a chest infection.
Keep mobile, as this will help you deep breathe and clear any sputum. Avoid lying down or staying still for a long time.
You should avoid heavy lifting and pulling for 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid contact sports or any exercise that makes the pain worse for 4 weeks.
People who smoke have a higher risk of developing complications after chest wall injuries, such as chest infections. For advice on how to stop smoking, please ask a member of staff or contact:
When to seek medical advice
If you develop a temperature, a cough with discoloured phlegm, feel generally unwell, you must see your GP, attend a Minor Injury Unit or Walk-In Centre as soon as you can. If your pain is not managed with the painkillers you are taking, please contact your GP, Walk-In centre, or call 111.
If your breathing becomes more difficult or you develop increased shortness of breath, or if you get new chest pain, chest tightness, or begin to cough up blood, you should return to the Emergency Department.
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this advice sheet, please do not hesitate to contact the Emergency Department.
