At Walker and Hall we know through personal experience how abdominal pain can have an enormous effect on every aspect of your life e.g., standing and dressing, walking, sitting, driving, working and sports and leisure activities.
The most common types of abdominal pain we treat is
Rectus Abdominis Strain
If your condition is not listed above please contact us
We have extensive experience in treating this conditions and managing your recovery.
To see how Walker and Hall can help you please see below:
- Rectus Abdominis Strain
Rectus Abdominis Strain (also known as Rectus Abdominis Tendonitis, Rectus Abdominis Tendinopathy)
This is characterised by a strain to the abdominal muscles on the front of the abdomen (stomach). It can be extremely painful, affecting all aspects of your life including standing, walking, lifting, carrying, sports and leisure activities.
Fortunately it responds well to the appropriate physiotherapy treatment.
Anatomy
The rectus abdominis muscles are a pair of long flat muscles which extend along the whole of the front of the abdomen (stomach). They are separated from one another by a line of strong connective tissue called the linea alba. At the top the muscles attach to the cartilages of the fifth, sixth, and seventh ribs and occasionally to the bottom of the breast bone (sternum), and at the bottom they attach to the front of the pelvis, i.e., the pubic symphysis, pubic crest and the pubic tubercle.
These muscles are responsible for core stability and are used in all activities from working at home to sports and leisure activities. When they contract, if the forces the muscles are subjected to are excessive due to too much force, repetition or being over stretched, then damage and inflammation of the muscles may occur. This is known as a rectus abdominis muscle strain.
Causes of a rectus abdominis muscle strain?
Overuse – activities such as excessive “sit ups” and sports that require intensive abdominal training such as boxing, can cause a rectus abdominis muscle strain
Over-stretching – muscles are at their most vulnerable when they are put under strain whilst stretched
Sudden and forceful movements – sports involving sudden and forceful abdominal movements such as weightlifting, throwing, gymnastics, rowing, wrestling and pole vaulting can cause abdominis muscle strains.
Signs and symptoms of a rectus abdominis muscle strain
Pain – often felt at the bottom of the stomach where the muscle attaches to the pelvis (just above the genital area). It often increases when the abdominal muscles contract such as during a “sit up”.
How Walker and Hall can help you
A thorough musculoskeletal examination is required to determine the extent of the damage to the rectus abdominis muscles. This is essential if the optimum recovery is to be achieved.
Following the diagnosis a treatment plan is devised and discussed with you.
The types of physiotherapy treatment used at Walker and Hall for a rectus abdominis muscle strain are
- Ice and Rest – for the first 48 to 72 hours the regular use of ice and resting from aggravating activities is recommended
- Pain relieving techniques e.g., electrical therapy such as ultrasound and interferential therapy and soft tissue massage to reduce pain and muscle spasm
- A home exercise programme to improve flexibility, strength, core stability and posture
- Anti-inflammatory advice. Anti-inflammatory medication may also significantly hasten the healing process by reducing the pain and swelling associated with inflammation. To check whether you are able to tolerate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) contact your General Practitioner or local pharmacist
