I had trouble swallowing because my top ribs were being pulled up by severely spasmed neck muscles - after the spasms were resolved {chiropractor/NIMMO} the top rib stayed stuck up like that and an advanced PT, and then my chiro too, were able to get them to drop back down { with a firm steady gentle pressure}.

They raised up a few times soon after but chiro took care of it and now they stay down unless I really overdo with extreme heavy lifting or heavy projects.

When they were stuck up it felt like a tight turtle neck sweater was on all the time. swallowing troubles & felt like something in my throat too.

So if that sounds like what you are having then ask for a few sessions of PT or see a really good chiro.
Possibly a friend can watch some videos on line on how to do it and try it first, is is basically a steady pressure downward on the shoulder/neck