How did I develop an oblique strain and can a physical therapist treat it?

Oblique Strain

Oh no! You’ve just woken up and tried to roll out of bed only to be met with an intense pain in your side. Now, you’re probably asking yourself, “What in the world is going on?” Maybe you threw the ball too hard and are experiencing a sports-related injury — or, perhaps, your injury is work related. 

The chances are good that the symptoms you’re experiencing are related to an oblique strain — a tear of the fibers in your oblique muscle. 

What is an oblique muscle?

Your oblique muscles are located on the side of your abdomen and consist of the internal and external oblique muscles. These muscles are responsible for helping to support your spine and internal organs. The obliques also assist in several physiological processes such as:

  • Forced exhalation.
  • Passing stools.
  • Labor related to childbirth.
  • Urination.

When your oblique muscles are strained, it can make any and all of these activities difficult. In many cases, injuring your obliques is not difficult to do. In most cases, the injuries are related to overuse and repetition or direct trauma to the area. For example, you may experience a sports-related injury or a work injury — especially if your job is physically demanding. 

If you’ve strained your obliques, you should try the PRICE principle: protection, rest, icing, compression and elevation. If your pain remains or worsens, you should schedule an appointment with a physical therapist.

How physical therapy can help

If your obliques are, literally, a pain in your side, it may be time to contact a physical therapist. One of the most common recommended treatments for an oblique strain is physical therapy. Our physical therapists at Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation can work closely with you to develop a comprehensive and customized treatment plan to help you find relief from your pain.

To help you achieve your goals, your treatment plan may include mild stretching and isometric contractions. Both of these treatment options will work to strengthen and stretch your obliques. 

Are you ready to get out of pain? Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.