The oblique distension, also known as lateral distension or distension of the intercostal muscle, is a frequent sports injury that affects the lateral muscles of the abdomen. It occurs when these muscles stretch or tear due to sudden or repetitive torsion movements. Oblique distension can cause pain and discomfort, so it is crucial to seek adequate treatment to promote healing and prevent major damage.
OBLICUA DISTENSION Treatment options
- Rest and avoidance of activities: It is essential to rest the affected muscles and avoid activities that can aggravate distension. In this way, injured muscles can be cured and the risk of new injuries will be reduced.
- Ice therapy: Applying an ice bag or a cold compress in the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation. It is recommended to apply ice for 15-20 minutes in a row, several times a day, especially during the first days after the injury.
- Compression: The use of a compression bandage or wrapping can provide support and stability to injured muscles, helping to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Note: It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the severity of oblique distension and develop an adequate treatment plan. They may recommend additional interventions, such as physiotherapy or medication, to control pain and help in the recovery process.
Understanding Oblique Strains
There are several factors that can contribute to the appearance of oblique distensions, such as sudden movements of torsion or flexion, repetitive movements, inappropriate warming or stretching before physical activity and the weakness of the central muscles. Athletes who practice sports that require frequent trunk rotation, such as golf, tennis and baseball, are especially prone to oblique distensions.
Key points:
- Oblique distensions are soft tissue lesions that affect the oblique muscles of the abdomen.
- These distensions occur as a result of stretching, tear or excessive use of oblique muscles.
- The most common causes are sudden torsion movements, repetitive movements and inappropriate warming.
- Athletes who practice sports that require trunk rotation are at greater risk.
When a person suffers from oblique distension, he can present symptoms such as pain located in the abdominal area, sensitivity, swelling and difficulty to perform movements that involve the rotation of the trunk. The severity of the distension can vary from slight to severe, and the most serious cases can cause important functional limitations and affect the person’s ability to practice sports or perform everyday activities.
Important:
- Oblique distensions can present symptoms such as pain, sensitivity and swelling in the abdomen.
- The severity of distension can vary and affect the person’s ability to make certain movements.
To correctly diagnose oblique distension, it is essential to perform a complete physical examination, which includes an analysis of the patient’s medical history and an analysis of their symptoms. Image tests, such as radiographs or magnetic resonances, to assess the scope of the lesion and discard possible underlying causes of pain can also be performed.
Once the diagnosis has been made, the treatment of oblique distensions usually consists of a combination of rest, the therapy with ice, compression and elevation (RICE), as well as in the application of a structured rehabilitation program. This program focuses on restoring strength, flexibility and functional movements of oblique muscles.
Important steps:
- Detailed physical examination and analysis of the medical history are necessary for diagnosis.
- For treatment, Rice therapy is usually recommended, which includes rest, ice, compression and elevation.
- A structured rehabilitation program helps recover strength and functional movements.
Signs and Symptoms of Oblique Strains
The signs and symptoms of oblique distensions may vary in gravity, depending on the scope of the lesion. Common indicators of oblique distension include:
- Pain: People with oblique distension often experience acute or sharp pain on the side of the abdomen, especially during activities that involve turning, folding or stretching the torso.
- Sensitivity: The affected area can feel sensitive or sore to touch, and pressure on injured muscles can exacerbate discomfort.
- Swelling: swelling can occur around the place of the lesion, which indicates inflammation and an immune response to the damage.
- Restricted movement: Oblique distensions can limit the amplitude of movement of the torso, making it difficult to carry out certain movements, such as turning, beating or lifting weight.
It is important to note that some people may also experience referred pain, which is felt in other areas of the body that are connected to oblique muscles, such as the lumbar area, hips or groin.
If you suspect that you suffer from oblique distension, it is recommended that you go to the doctor to make an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. The doctor can perform a physical examination, review the medical history and request image tests to evaluate the scope of the lesion. Early intervention and adequate treatment can help prevent greater damage and favor faster recovery.
Diagnosing oblique strains
Medical history: As oblique stripes diagnose, doctors will begin by obtaining a detailed medical history of the patient. This includes asking about any recent injury, the nature and location of pain and any activity or event that may have triggered the appearance of symptoms. Knowing the patient’s background and underlying factors can provide valuable information about the cause of oblique distension and help guide the subsequent diagnostic evaluation.
Note: It is important that patients provide precise and complete information about their symptoms and circumstances surrounding the lesion, since this will help determine a precise diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Physical examination: physical examination is essential to diagnose oblique distensions. During this evaluation, the doctor will feel the affected area, looking for signs of sensitivity, swelling or muscle anomalies. You can also ask the patient to perform certain movements or exercises that can cause pain or discomfort. This helps the doctor determine the scope of the injury and to identify any associated imbalance or muscle weakness that can contribute to distension.
The following table summarizes the key steps of the diagnosis of oblique distensions:
Diagnostic process | Description |
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Clinic history | Collection of information on patient’s symptoms, previous lesions and possible triggers. |
Physical exploration | Palpation of the affected area, assessment of the amplitude of movement and evaluation of strength and muscle imbalances. |
Diagnostic tests | Anatomical images, such as magnetic resonance or ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of distension. |
Immediate Treatment for Oblique Strains
1. Rest: One of the first steps in the treatment of oblique distension is to give the injured muscle an adequate rest. Avoid any activity or movement that can increase pain or aggravate the injury. Rest allows damaged muscle fibers to heal and reduce the risk of new injuries.
Tip:
Avoid any activity that implies torsions or sudden movements of the torso, such as sports that require rapid changes of direction or lifting heavy objects.
2. Ice therapy: The application of ice in the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling associated with oblique distensions. Ice therapy contracts blood vessels, reduces inflammation and numbs the area, providing temporary relief. Wrap an ice bag or a frozen peas bag in a fine towel and place it on the injured area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day.
3. Compression: Using compression techniques can help stabilize injured muscle and reduce swelling. Wrap the affected area with a compressive bandage or put on a compression garment. Compression helps limit muscle movement and provides support during the healing process.
Table: Dos and Don’ts for Immediate Treatment
To do | Not to do |
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Rehabilitation exercises for oblique strains
Rest and restriction:
The rest is essential in the initial phases of the recovery of an oblique distension to allow the injured muscles to heal. However, it is equally important to perform smooth rehabilitation exercises to maintain muscle strength and flexibility. The gradual reintroduction of activities that do not aggravate the lesion can accelerate healing and avoid muscle atrophy.
Stretching:
- Trunk rotation stretch: Stand with your feet separated at shoulders and gently turn the trunk to the left as much as it is comfortable. Keep stretching for 20 seconds and repeat with the right side. Make 2-3 series of 5-10 repetitions.
- Side flexion stretch: place up with high arms above the head. Tilt to the left, extending your right arm over the head, and keep the stretch for 20 seconds. Repeat on the right side. Make 2-3 series of 5-10 repetitions.
Strengthening:
- Rotations with medicinal ball: standing, with feet separated to the width of the hips, hold a medicinal ball with both hands. Turn the torso to the right, keeping your hips immobile, and then turn to the left. Make 2-3 series of 10-15 repetitions.
- Side plates: Tashed side with the affected oblique muscle looking at the ground. Read on the forearm and raise your hips, creating a straight line from head to toe. Keep the position for 20-30 seconds and then change side. Make 2-3 series on each side.
Exercise | Description |
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Trunk rotation stretch | Stand with your feet separated at shoulders and turn the trunk to the left and right, keeping stretching for 20 seconds on each side. |
Lateral flexion stretch | Stand up with high arms above the head. Tilt to the left or right, extending your arm above the head, and keep the stretch for 20 seconds on each side. |
Rotations with medicinal ball | Standing, with the feet separated at the width of the hips, hold a medicinal ball and turn the torso from left to right, keeping the stable hips. Perform 10 to 15 repetitions. |
Side plates | Tashed sideways with the affected oblique muscle looking to the ground, gain on the forearm and lift the hips of the ground. Keep the position for 20-30 seconds on each side. |
Preventing Oblique Strains
1. Heating and stretching: Before performing any physical activity that involves oblique muscles, it is important to heat and stretch properly. This helps increase blood flow to muscles and improve their flexibility, reducing the probability of distension. Start with light aerobic exercises, such as footing or scissor jumps, to heat the body. Next, perform dynamic stretching aimed at the oblique muscles, such as trunk rotations or lateral flexions.
Tip: Always consult with a health professional or a coach entitled to learn about the appropriate heating and stretching techniques for the oblique muscles.
2. Strengthen the trunk: a strong trunk is essential to maintain a correct posture and stability during the movements involved in oblique muscles. Strong central muscles provide support and help distribute the load more uniform, reducing tension in oblique. Include in your routine exercises specifically directed to the trunk, such as plates, Russian turns and bicycle abdominals.
Exercise | Description |
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Iron | Start in the arms of arms, but with the forearms supported by the ground. Keep the body straight and hold the position for a certain time. |
Russian torsions | Sit on the floor with bent knees and feet resting on the ground. Lean slightly back and turn the torso from one side to another, touching the ground with your hands. |
Abdominals by bicycle | Lie on your back with your hands behind your head, knees bent, and feet off the ground. She brings one knee toward her chest as you twist your upper body to bring the opposite elbow toward her knee. |
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to any discomfort or pain in the abdomen or side muscles. If you experience any unusual sensations during physical activity, it is important to stop and rest. Pushing through pain can lead to more strain and injury.
- Gradually increase intensity: When playing sports or activities that overload the oblique muscles, it is essential to gradually increase the intensity and duration. Sudden bursts of intense movement can overload muscles and increase the risk of injury.
By taking these preventive measures, people can significantly reduce the risk of oblique strains and maintain excellent abdominal muscle health. Remember that it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional or certified trainer for personalized guidance and to ensure proper technique during exercise.
When to Seek Medical Help for Oblique Strains
If you have recently experienced sudden, sharp pain in the side of your abdomen during physical activity, it is important to closely monitor your symptoms. While mild oblique strains can cause discomfort and limited range of motion, severe cases can lead to more serious complications, such as muscle tears or hernias. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention:
- Severe pain: If the pain is severe and persists even at rest, it may indicate a more serious injury that requires medical evaluation.
- Swelling or bruising: Noticeable swelling, discoloration, or bruising in the affected area may suggest internal bleeding or significant tissue damage.
- Difficulty breathing: In some cases, an oblique strain can cause pain that is worse when breathing deeply or makes it difficult to breathe fully. This could be a sign of a more serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.
It is important to seek medical help if you experience severe pain, swelling or bruising, or if you have difficulty breathing after suffering an oblique strain.
Additionally, if the pain from an oblique strain persists or worsens after a few days of rest and self-care, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. He or she can evaluate the extent of the injury, offer appropriate treatment options, and help speed up the healing process to avoid long-term complications.