What should I do if I have a strained abdominal muscle?
What should I do if I have a strained abdominal muscle?
While all exercise activities, sports and even daily activities of living can cause abdominal muscle strain, you can take steps to reduce the risk. First of all, be sure your abdominal strain is completely healed before resuming your normal activities. Starting too soon can increase your risk of re-injury, immediately or in the future.
Why do I have so many abdominal strains?
Abdominal Strains. The abdominals are your “workaholic muscles” — they’re constantly at work to stabilize your core and help you breathe (hopefully!). It’s difficult to rest these muscles, making abdominal strains a painful injury.
When to see a doctor for a pulled abdominal muscle?
When to See a Doctor. Treatment. An abdominal muscle strain, also called a pulled abdominal muscle, is an injury to one of the muscles of the abdominal wall. A muscle strain occurs when the muscle is stretched too far. When this occurs the muscle fibers are torn. Most commonly, a strain causes microscopic tears within the muscle.
What’s the best way to relieve abdominal pain?
To do a pelvic tilt: Lie on your back with bent knees. Engage and tighten your abdominal muscles as you pull in, drawing your bellybutton toward your spine. Press your lower back into the floor as you slightly tilt your hips and pelvis back. Hold for 6 seconds. Relax and return to the starting position. Do 3 sets of 8 repetitions.
Treatment. Avoiding exercise to allow the injured muscle to heal is important. Activities that cause pain or spasm of the abdominal muscles should also be avoided. Gentle stretching is helpful, but it should not be painful. Stretching excessively can be harmful, and even slow the healing process.
How to treat a muscle strain at home?
For immediate self-care of a muscle strain, try the R.I.C.E. approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation: 1 Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort… 2 Ice. Even if you’re seeking medical help, ice the area immediately… 3 Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until…
What’s the best way to heal an abdominal injury?
Icing is most effective if you do it immediately after the injury and for the next couple of days. Apply the ice for 20 minutes as often as every hour, or at least four to eight times a day. Do not use the ice for more than 20 minutes at a time. 4. Compress Your Abdomen
When to apply ice to an abdominal muscle strain?
Apply ice to the injured area in the acute phase (the first 48 hours after injury), and then after activities. Before activities, gentle heat can help to loosen the muscle. One the injury is fully healed, you can avoid reoccurrence by practicing some common-sense preventive tips.