Whether it stems from an acute injury or chronic
overuse, abdominal wall strain often can be treated
effectively using part of the routine known as R.I.C.E.
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation:
Rest
- Your doctor will likely suggest that you take
it easy for several days or longer, depending on
the severity of your injury, so it may be wise to
clear your schedule of any physical activities.
Ice
- Your doctor may recommend applying an ice pack
and massaging your abdomen with it for about 15
minutes three or four times on the first day. To
massage, rotate the ice pack firmly around the area.
If there is improvement after the first day, switch
to heat. You can use heating pads or packs.
Compression
- A wide, long wrap, a soft back brace, or an abdominal
binder will help compress the area. A girdle can
also be used for compression - by men as well as
women.
You should also try to avoid constipation and straining
while moving your bowels.
Physical therapists and athletic trainers can be
helpful in instructing you in abdominal and pelvic
stabilization exercises. These can be facilitated
by the use of large rubber balls called physio-balls.
Basically, stretching, flexibility and strengthening
exercises are used for the main abdominal muscles,
back muscles, and hip muscles. Depending on your
activity, you may have underlying problems that
may have contributed to the abdominal wall strain
may require treatment. These may include back, hip,
knee or ankle problems that affect the kinetic chain
of movement, and therefore may have affected the
abdominal muscles.
Rest
- Your doctor will likely suggest that you take
it easy for several days or longer, depending on
the severity of your injury, so it may be wise to
clear your schedule of any physical activities.
