Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Abdominal Muscle Injuries in Sport
Abdominal muscle strains -- particularly of the internal oblique and external oblique -- are common in sports involving explosive trunk rotation: cricket (batting pull shots, fast bowling delivery), tennis (serving), baseball, and javelin. The cricket "side strain" -- internal oblique or intercostal muscle tear -- is one of the most common injuries in international cricket and a frequent presentation in local Faridabad cricket players.
Anatomy of Abdominal Strains
The abdominal wall has four layers: rectus abdominis (central vertical muscle), external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis. Sports-related strains most commonly involve the oblique muscles or intercostals (between the ribs). Rib stress reactions can occur simultaneously and must be assessed.
Assessment and Diagnosis
We assess the specific muscle involved through active contraction and passive stretch tests, rule out rib fracture or stress reaction (which requires more conservative management), and assess the severity of muscle disruption to guide return-to-sport timeline.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Acute Phase (Days 0-7)
Modified rest from the specific movements causing pain. Ice, compression. Pain-free range of motion maintenance. Very gentle isometric abdominal activation in neutral.
Progressive Loading (Weeks 1-4)
Progressive core loading through pain-free range. Progression from isometric to isotonic to rotational loading -- replicating the cricket or sport-specific movement pattern.
Sport-Specific Return (Weeks 4-8)
Bowling/batting/serving progressions. Return-to-play criteria: pain-free execution of all sport-specific movements at full intensity.
Abdominal Injury Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we treat side strains and abdominal muscle injuries in cricketers and all athletes. Book your assessment today.