The abdominal area contains many different organs and is often divided into smaller quadrants -

 

Abdominal Strain

It is usually the Rectus abdominus muscle which is damaged in an abdominal strain but other muscles in the stomach area can be affected. Ruptures occur in weightlifters, throwers, gymnasts, rowers, wrestlers and pole vaulters. If athletes return to training before the injury is allowed to heal then inflammation might occur.

Symptoms include:

• Tenderness and inflammation over an area of the rectus abdominis (usually at the bottom).

• A sudden sharp pain in the abdominal muscles which would indicate a rupture.

• An increase in pain when the abdominal muscles are contracted e.g. doing a stomach crunch.

What can be done?

• Rest

• Use a heat retainer and apply heat for example with a hot water bottle (after the first 48 hours in the case of a suspected rupture).

• See sports injury professional who can advise on rehabilitation.

What can a sports injury specialist/ medical professional do?

• Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication

• Use ultrasound and/or laser treatment.

• Prescribe a full rehabilitation programme

• Give you a steroid injection if there is inflammation of the tendon followed by rest for 2 weeks.

• Operate in extreme cases

If you rest as soon as there is sign of injury then it should not take more than a couple of weeks to heal. If you have ruptured the muscle the healing time will depend on the severity of the abdominal injuries*