Home Remedies and Lifestyle. Beyond treatments with a doctor or physical therapist, patients suffering from costochondritis can make changes to their habits and every day lifestyle in order to improve their symptoms and overall quality of life. Practicing self-care and incorporating healthy measures into one’s life make a huge impact on inflammation. Applying heat and ice after strenuous activity reduces pain and swelling, as does soaking in an Epsom salt bath. Even more simply, the power of rest and relaxation should never be underestimated in allowing the body to heal and rejuvenate.