SIDE STRAIN INJURY

SIDE STRAIN INJURY

Side strain is an injury where the pain typically occurs over the side of the abdomen or over the rib cage. It is seen in sports like cricket, tennis rowing, baseball, ice hockey, etc. In cricket, side strain injury occurs as high as 20%, especially in bowlers!

Medically, side strain is a tear of the transversalis fascia or the internal oblique muscle. It usually happens on the non-bowling arm due to powerful contraction of the muscle which is stretched beyond its limit. Strain can happen suddenly, due to overstretching, or slowly over a period of time, due to excessive or repetitive movement.

How can you identify a Side Strain Injury?

The injury often begins with sudden, sharp pain or pulling sensation in the side of the chest or abdomen during vigorous activity on the non-bowling side. Sometimes, it may start as a small niggle after or during an activity and then be followed by a sudden burst.

Other signs include muscle pain especially while twisting, bending, and stretching. Pain when touching the area, pain in Coughing, and sneezing are also seen. Stiffness, swelling, and bruising occur rarely.

How is a Side Strain Injury Treated?

An acute and mild form of side strain usually resolves in 48 to 56 hours with rest and icing. If the pain persists, you will need to visit a doctor or a sports physiotherapist for further evaluation. Ideally, you will be advised a protective brace, rest, ice, compression, and medications to help with your pain. Your healthcare practitioner/Physiotherapist may even suggest an MRI or an Ultrasound scan to identify possible tears and their severity grade.

How long will recovery take?

In a Grade 1 muscle injury rest period of 2-4 weeks is typically advised. However, Grade 2+ muscle injuries and minor bony injuries can take up to 4 to 8 weeks to recover the following Physiotherapy.

How does Physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in helping you return to playing after a side strain injury. A typical Physiotherapy session may include - Therapeutic Modalities such as ultrasound, interferential current, and TENS. Myofascial release, Dry Needling, Taping, Stretching, and Strengthening Exercises for abdominal and core muscles will also be required.

Return to play (RTP) protocol is the most important step in the process of Rehab. In RTP we work not only on injury Rehabilitation but also identify potential risk factors that can reinjure the muscle again. These could be poor bowling Biomechanics, Muscular Imbalances, Footwear, Surface of Bowling, etc.

At FLEXITUDE, we strongly believe in holistic rehab and usually work in coordination with your fitness trainer and Coach to help accelerate your recovery.