Pain in the oblique muscles: Origins, remedies, and additional insights
In the world of sports, oblique muscle strains are a common injury that athletes often encounter, particularly those involved in activities requiring rotational movements and high-velocity actions. This article aims to shed light on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for oblique muscle strains, as well as preventive measures to keep athletes in top form.
Oblique muscle pain is typically the result of a condition called "side strain," which can occur during sports such as football, baseball, golf, tennis, soccer, handball, rowing, javelin, and cricket. These sports often necessitate rotational strength and rapid movements, which can sometimes lead to overstretching or partial tears of the oblique muscles.
The human body has two sets of oblique muscles: external and internal obliques. The external obliques sit on the outer edge of the abdomen, while the internal obliques reside closer to the core. These muscles work together when people twist or rotate their bodies at the core.
Symptoms of an oblique muscle tear may include sudden, severe pain, muscle symptoms, swelling and bruising, inflammation, difficulty pushing down on the affected area without pain, and in some cases, tenderness on the side of the trunk where the injury occurred, usually involving overextending the muscle and straining the side of a person's nondominant arm. An MRI scan can confirm the diagnosis.
When it comes to treatment, conservative options include taking pain relief medications, wearing a compression bandage, resting the injury, engaging in physical therapy, and applying an ice pack for up to 15 minutes. Warming up before exercise, including deep breathing and gentle rehearsal of potentially problematic movements, can help reduce the risk of muscle strains. Cooling down after exercising for twice as long as the warm-up is also beneficial in preventing oblique muscle strains.
Preventive measures include thorough conditioning and training procedures, a balanced fitness regime that includes cardio, strength training, and flexibility work, and stretching gently and slowly. However, it is best to only do the same stretch once in any session and after experiencing pain. Planned rest days are also important to avoid overexertion and prevent oblique muscle strains.
A study found that the oblique muscle is weaker than other areas and prone to injury, with 12.2% of Japanese baseball players experiencing oblique muscle strain over a 10-year period. This underscores the importance of taking preventive measures to protect athletes from these types of injuries.
In a series of case studies, athletes were generally well enough to return to play within a few weeks, but fielders in baseball returned to play sooner than pitchers. This highlights the importance of individualised rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols for athletes recovering from oblique muscle strains.
In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for oblique muscle strains is crucial for athletes and coaches. By implementing preventive measures and taking care during recovery, athletes can minimise the risk of oblique muscle strains and stay at the top of their game.
- Oblique muscle pain in sports, such as football, baseball, golf, tennis, soccer, handball, rowing, javelin, and cricket, is commonly due to a side strain.
- Besides taking pain relief medications, wearing a compression bandage, and engaging in physical therapy, applying an ice pack can help in the treatment of oblique muscle strains.
- Preventive measures for oblique muscle strains include thorough conditioning, a balanced fitness regime, and stretching gently and slowly. It is also important to avoid overexertion by taking planned rest days.
- A study revealed that oblique muscle strains affect 12.2% of Japanese baseball players over a 10-year period, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.
- Fielders in baseball tend to return to play sooner than pitchers after recovering from oblique muscle strains, highlighting the importance of individualised rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols.
- In the health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise world, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for oblique muscle strains, and implementing preventive measures can help athletes minimize the risk of these injuries and maintain top performance.
