What are some recommended physical therapy exercises for chest wall pain?

For chest wall pain, physical therapy usually focuses on gentle, controlled movements to reduce stiffness, improve posture, and ease muscle tension. Commonly recommended exercises include:

• Deep breathing exercises to improve rib mobility and reduce muscle guarding
• Chest and shoulder stretches (like doorway or corner stretches) to relieve tight pectoral muscles
• Thoracic spine mobility exercises to improve upper-back movement
• Scapular strengthening exercises to support proper posture
• Gentle range-of-motion exercises for the shoulders and rib cage

These exercises should be done pain-free and are most effective when guided by a physical therapist who can tailor them to the underlying cause of the pain.