Hi Jade, I recently had a similar injury doing an Allegra. I needed 6 weeks off the pole and I was super mad at myself too! Sasha gives great advise. Here is what I did:
1) Ice at least 3-4 times a day for a couple of days and take some ibuprofen or naproxen if your stomach is okay with that.
2) Use a heating pad as much as you possibly can after that
3) Definitely Salonpas!! Alethea calls them crack patches for good reason! You can wear them for up to 12 hours. Look for rhe ones that use Capsicum as these do not have any odor. The ones with Metholatum are fabulous too, but they do give off an odor.
4) In addition to the bruised ribs, you could also have a muscle strain. The above tips will work for that as well.
5) You do need to rest. Super important., but make sure you at least get up and move around so you do not stiffen up.
6) As you start to feel better try to do some easy, light stretching. If you can go to a physiotherapist it can work wonders!
7) If you do not start to feel some relief in the next few days, or if you have severe breathing issues, then do go to a doc. They may be able to give you a Rx for a muscle relaxer. (Don't get Flexeril as it just makes you sleepy)
8) If you did bruise your ribs, a few days off will not be enough. Make sure you give yourself at least 2-3 weeks. You will be glad you waited!!
Good luck, hun! xoxo