If 3 ribs are fractured, the rest period is usually around 4-12 weeks and must be determined by the nature of the specific job. If one sits in an office a lot or uses language to get the job done, rest for about 4 weeks until the fracture reaches clinical healing and there is no local pain, then one can work. However, if the person is a heavy worker, often uses the upper limb strength to carry and lift things, or is a sports athlete, he or she must wait until the bone has completely reached bony healing and is completely stable before being able to go to work, which takes about 12 weeks.