How to fix Pectus Excavatum without surgery

How to treat Pectus Excavatum non-invasively using a Vacuum Bell and the Dumbbell Pullover, and how to use a Vacuum Bell effectively.

Introduction

Pectus Excavatum, often referred to as "sunken chest" or "funnel chest," is a congenital condition where the breastbone (sternum) is abnormally depressed, creating a noticeable dip in the middle of the chest.

Though many cases are mild and cause no serious health issues, some individuals experience breathing or cardiovascular problems, postural issues (most), or self-consciousness due to their appearance.

Surgery, such as the Nuss or Ravitch procedure, has long been the standard treatment for severe cases, but there are non-surgical treatments available for mild to moderate cases or for those looking to avoid surgery.

My two-part method to fix Pectus Excavatum without surgery

The Vacuum Bell is most effective non-surgical treatment for Pectus Excavatum.

We will be combining this with a chest expanding exercise called Breathing Pullovers.

Both focus on gradual chest reshaping and expansion to improve the chest slowly over time, with one pulling from the outside and the other pushing from the inside.

This is what I personally have done to improve my Pectus to a point where doesn't bother me anymore.

Let's start with the Vacuum Bell and how that works.

Vacuum Bell for Pectus Excavatum Lusk

Vacuum Bell Therapy

Vacuum Bell therapy is the most well-known and proven non-surgical treatment for Pectus Excavatum.

it is specially designed silicone suction cup that creates a vacuum to gradually lift the sunken sternum over time.

How It Works:

The Vacuum Bell is placed over the depressed area of the chest, and a manual pump is used to remove air from the device, creating negative pressure.

This suction gently pulls the breastbone upward, correcting the depression.

With regular use over months or even years, the chest wall can gradually reshape, providing permanent improvement.

Pro's of Vacuum Bell Therapy:

Non-invasive: Avoids serious and painful surgery.

This is especially beneficial if you have a mild case of Pectus, and don't want surgery but still want an effective treatment.

Cheap: A good vacuum bell ranges anywhere from around $400-$700+ but surgery is much more expensive and sometimes unattainable for those without insurance.

Safe: Vacuum bell therapy in 2024 is well established in the professional field of Pectus and has proven very safe.

On the other hand, while it is very rare, people have died or had severe complications undergoing surgery for Pectus.

How to properly use a Vacuum Bell for Pectus Excavatum

Positioning: The Vacuum Bell should be positioned directly over the deepest part of the chest depression.

You can use an oval shaped bell horizontal, vertically, or diagonally to fit the chest indent.

I use my bell in all three positions throughout the session to hit different parts of the chest and get maximum lift.

Body Posture: One of the most important aspects of proper Vacuum Bell therapy is the need for good posture when applying suction to the Vacuum Bell.

You can lie flat on a bed with feet on or off, push the chest out and then begin pumping the Bell.

Another method is to lean back into a chair with a straight back pushing the chest out.

Do this first and you will get a much better result from Vacuum Bell therapy.

Maintaining good posture after Vacuum Bell therapy: You should have good posture and try not to slouch, as this can cause your chest to sink back in.

Also make sure your bed is setup to support good posture at night. You should ideally have a firm mattress that doesn't sink and a low profile pillow to avoid being hunched over.

If you wake up with your chest sinking back in the next morning,its a sign you need to fix your sleeping arrangement.

Duration: Initially, sessions should last for 30 minutes to an hour, but over time, the duration can be increased.

There's no need to go too hard and fast at first, otherwise you will get bruising under the skin.

If you get bruising simply take a break for a while before starting again.

Consistency: Consistent daily use is the goal here. This will allow your chest to stay raised throughout most of the day.

Results can be usually seen after the first session, but more permanent gains often take months, with some seeing significant improvements after a year or more.

Combining the Vacuum Bell with Dumbbell Pullovers

Dumbbell Breathing Pullovers were used to expand the rib cage by old-school bodybuilders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, and Steve Reeves.

When done correctly they put intense pressure on the ribcage, expanding it outward gradually over time.

Arnold Schwarzenegger credits this one exercise for his impressive rib cage growth.

We will be combining these with the Vacuum Bell to hit the areas the Vacuum Bell can't target (harder tissue around the sternum)

fixing pectus excavatum dumbbell pullover

How to perform a dumbbell pullover:

I like to do the Pullovers right after using the Vacuum Bell.

Lie across a bench with your upper back and shoulders supported and feet flat on the ground. Hold a dumbbell with both hands, extended above your chest.

Take a super deep breath into your sternum area and hold it, as you begin lowering the dumbbell slowly behind your head.

Lower the dumbbell as far as comfortable while simultaneously dropping at the hips.

You should feel pressure and a deep stretch in the sternum area if you did it
properly.

dumbbell pullover for pectus excavatum

Exhale and lift the dumbbell back to the starting position, keeping your arms straight but not locked.

Perform between 1-2 sets of 6-10 repetitions.

Focus on taking deep big breaths and feeling the stretch in the chest, rather than counting reps.

Most people usually notice an instant improvement in their posture after even one session.

Conclusion

While this method will not give overnight results like surgery, it can over time lift the sternum to a point where you are happy with the shape of your chest.

This is what i have personally experience with this method and I am no longer ashamed to take my shirt off.

I consider my Pectus 'fixed' because it is not noticeable enough anymore to affect my life in any way. Hopefully you can achieve these results as well, and i wish you all the best on your journey.

If you are looking to purchase a Vacuum Bell I would advise against buying from most other sellers.

Many list their Vacuum Bells for high prices but still use cheap parts and bad designs. Unfortunately most people only find this out after they spend their money, (me included)

I made my own high quality Vacuum Bell for this reason, and you can learn more about them here: Lusk Vacuum Bell for Pectus Excavatum