Tender ribs

As a result of radiation for breat cancer and severe coughing, I have tender ribs and what seems like pulled muscles.  What can I do to aid healing?  I've gotten the cough stopped.  Is ice or heat better?  I take a reasonable amount of vitamins.  It's very hard to cut way back on activity.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Ribby, The healing process is going to take some time.  You did not indicate in your question how long it has been since radiation was completed.  If it has been longer than three months check with your radiation oncologist to make sure all is as it should be.  

You should avoid extremes of both heat and cold to the area.  The radiation may have some effect on your sensation of temperature, which can leave you susceptible to a burn and damage to already sensitive skin.