Will Surgery Work For Me?

If you or your child has pectus excavatum—commonly referred to as “sunken chest” or “funnel chest”—you already know how much it can impact daily life. It’s not just about appearance. For many people, it affects posture, breathing, confidence, and even athletic performance. And while surgery is often the first solution people hear about, physical therapy for pectus excavatum is one of the most overlooked, natural, and non-invasive ways to manage or even improve the condition.

At My Vital Six, located right here in Kansas City, MO, we specialize in helping people improve function, reduce symptoms, and regain confidence—without going under the knife.

Understanding Pectus Excavatum: What’s Going On in the Chest?

Pectus excavatum is a condition where the breastbone is sunken into the chest, creating a concave or “caved-in” appearance. While it’s often visible at birth, it typically becomes more pronounced during adolescence as the chest wall grows.

Why It Matters

It’s not just cosmetic. Depending on the severity, pectus excavatum can:

• Reduce lung capacity

• Cause shortness of breath during exercise

• Disrupt proper posture

• Put pressure on the heart

• Lead to back and neck discomfort due to muscular imbalances

That’s why a deep understanding of the chest’s muscular and skeletal anatomy is so important. Your ribcage, diaphragm, spine, and surrounding musculature all work together. If one part is out of alignment, everything else compensates—and not in a good way.

Common Causes of Pectus Excavatum: Is It Genetic or Lifestyle?

Let’s break it down. Pectus excavatum is often congenital, but that doesn’t mean it’s always out of your control.

1. Genetics

Many people with the condition have a family history of pectus excavatum or other chest wall deformities. Connective tissue disorders like Marfan Syndrome can also be associated.

2. Postural Habits

Especially in kids and teens who spend long hours hunched over desks, tablets, or phones, poor posture can exacerbate or even mimic pectus-like symptoms.

3. Structural Abnormalities

Some individuals simply develop an irregular growth pattern of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum, pulling the sternum inward.

4. Respiratory Conditions

If breathing is shallow or the diaphragm doesn’t engage properly, it can contribute to postural collapse and worsen the sunken appearance.

5. Neuromuscular Imbalances

Muscle weakness in the thoracic spine, lats, or core can create a mechanical pull that deepens the chest indentation.

Diagnosing Pectus Excavatum: When to Get Professional Help

If you suspect pectus excavatum, or you’ve already been diagnosed but haven’t explored physical therapy, here’s what to expect.

Self-Assessment

Some things you can look for:

• Is the center of your chest noticeably lower than the surrounding ribs?

• Do you experience shortness of breath during physical activity?

• Are your shoulders rounded forward most of the day?

These signs don’t confirm a diagnosis but are a good reason to dig deeper.

Medical Imaging & Evaluations

A doctor may order:

• Chest X-rays or CT scans to determine severity

• Pulmonary function tests

• Cardiology assessments (in severe cases)

At My Vital Six, we often work alongside your primary care or specialist team to ensure our physical therapy aligns with any imaging or medical findings.

Red Flags to Watch For

Don’t delay getting professional help if you notice:

• Progressive worsening of posture or breathing

• Chest pain or palpitations

• Decreased exercise tolerance

• Mental health concerns related to body image

Treatment Options: How Physical Therapy Helps with Pectus Excavatum

Let’s be real: surgery isn’t the only option. For many people—especially those with mild to moderate cases—physical therapy can provide significant relief and visible improvement.

What Pectus Excavatum Physical Therapy Looks Like at My Vital Six

1. Postural Correction
   We address thoracic extension, scapular mobility, and deep core engagement to naturally “lift” the chest and improve alignment.

2. Breathing Retraining
   Diaphragmatic breathing exercises help expand lung capacity and support the ribcage from the inside out.

3. Mobility Work
   Tight pecs, lats, and hip flexors can contribute to the collapse. We focus on opening up the anterior chain.

4. Strength Training
   Building strength in the mid-back, spinal erectors, and deep stabilizers helps restore balance and function.

5. Neuromuscular Re-Education
   We rewire your body’s movement patterns—so you don’t just stand taller during therapy, but long after you leave our clinic.

Home Strategies You Can Start Today

• Practice wall angels daily

• Do deep belly breathing for 5 minutes each morning

• Avoid sitting slouched for more than 30 minutes at a time

Still, nothing beats a personalized, hands-on approach. That’s where we come in.

Prevention Tips: Protecting Progress for the Long-Term

Even if you’re managing a mild case or recovering from previous treatment, staying ahead of it is key.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Daily mobility work, especially focused on the thoracic spine

• Strengthen your posterior chain: think rows, deadlifts, scapular retraction exercises

• Train your breath: not just how deep you breathe, but how often

• Avoid long-term sitting or hunching

• Stick to a routine—consistency builds structural change over time

And yes, posture apps and reminders can help, but real change comes from retraining your movement at its core.

Ready to Take Control of Your Pectus Excavatum? Let’s Fix This—Together.

Pectus excavatum doesn’t have to define your life—or your child’s. Whether you’re exploring options for the first time or frustrated with previous advice to “just live with it,” we’re here to offer a better way.

At My Vital Six in Kansas City, MO, we specialize in tailored physical therapy programs designed to:

• Improve posture

• Enhance breathing mechanics

• Reduce pain or discomfort

• Boost self-confidence

Every treatment plan is built around you, not just your condition.

So if you’re ready to start breathing easier, standing taller, and feeling stronger—reach out to us today. Let’s get you booked for a personalized evaluation, and we’ll walk you through exactly what physical therapy for pectus excavatum can do for your life.