18/03/2026
Rib position matters more than you think.... 🫁✨
Your rib cage isn’t just about posture — it directly affects how you breathe how well your pelvic floor/core functions.
A simple way clinicians assess rib mechanics is the infrasternal angle (ISA).
Neither is “good” or “bad”… but each creates different pressure and movement strategies.
🔹 NARROW ISA
• Ribs sit more “closed down”
• Good for bracing and compression but can create increased pressure through pelvic floor
• May struggle with full rib expansion and 360° breathing
🔹 WIDE ISA
• Ribs sit more “flared out”
• Often good at expansion and big breaths (but also a tendency to belly breathe)
• May struggle to fully exhale and and engage core
• Can find it harder to generate strong intra-abdominal pressure
💡 Why this matters for core & pelvic floor recovery
Your diaphragm, deep abdominals and pelvic floor work together as a pressure system.
If rib position limits your ability to expand OR compress when needed, it can influence:
✔ Breathing efficiency
✔ Core strength and load tolerance
✔ Pelvic floor coordination
👩⚕️ Why see a physio?
A physiotherapy assessment can help you:
✅ Understand your individual rib cage and breathing pattern
✅ Identify movement or pressure strategies affecting symptoms
✅ Learn targeted exercises to improve expansion, control and strength
✅ Progress safely back to lifting, running or sport
The goal isn’t to change your structure — it’s to build better movement options.
👉 Can you expand when you need mobility?
👉 Can you compress when you need support?
That adaptability is what supports optimal performance and recovery.
