The ribcage is an important area often overlooked by massage therapists. Most therapists want to work the major muscle groups, yet there is tremendous benefit to working the intercostal muscles between the ribs.
The intercostal muscles exist in three layers: the external and internal layers, whose fibers run diagonal to each other. These muscles assists with respiration. The external layer, brings the ribs closer together, raising and expanding the chest cavity for inspiration. The external layer attaches to ribs 1 – 11, and inserts on ribs 2 – 12. Basically, they run between the ribs, starting at the sternum and following the ribs around the curve of the ribs. The same is true of the internal layer, except their action is to depress the ribcage during forced expiration. The third layer is the partial set of innermost intercostals, the subcostals, and the transversus thoracis. This layer of muscle is not accessible via massage, as these muscles lie beneath the ribs inside the thoracic cavity.
Massaging deep in the ribs is a time consuming process. First, you have to work the more superficial muscles of the region, the pectoralii and serratus anterior muscles, the latissimus dorsi, getting them more loose and pliable in order to accept the deep work on the intercostal muscles.
To work the entire ribcage takes about an hour of very slow, methodical work. After getting the superficial muscles softened with more generalized massage, you can get beneath them and into the ribs. With finger tips and knuckles, stroke from sternum laterally, following the curve of the ribs. There are several ways you can work these muscles, but always be carefully, as they can be very sensitive to touch.
The main benefit of working these muscles is the aid in breathing. Often, clients will report feeling they can breathe more freely, and take deeper breaths.
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