Abdominal Muscle Strain
Overview
Causes
This problem may be caused by:
- An activity that the muscle is not ready for
- Excessive exercise
- Improper technique while playing sports
- Lifting heavy objects
- Sharply twisting the body
Abdominal Muscles—Side View |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Pain that may be worse when sneezing, coughing, or twisting the body
- Pain when touching the area
- Stiffness
- Swelling or bruising
- Muscle spasms
Treatments
Treatment
Most people get better in a few weeks. The goal of treatment is to ease pain and improve movement. This may be done with:
Initial Care
The muscle will need time to heal. Supportive care may include:
- Rest to give the area time to heal
- Ice packs to ease pain and swelling
Medicine may also be given to ease pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy
An exercise program will be created to promote strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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