A 50-year-old male presents to the office with a 5-day history of a persistent cough, and intermittent fevers. Vital signs shown:

Physical examination reveals decreased breath sounds and rales with auscultation of the left lower lung field. Structural examination shows decreased rib motion and tissue texture changes throughout his thoracic musculature. Chest radiographs reveal pneumonia. In addition to antibiotics, he is treated with a rib raising technique.

Which of the following physiologic changes is most likely from the osteopathic manipulative treatment performed?