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Side Strain: A Tear of Internal Oblique Musculature

Side strain is a clinical diagnosis characterized by sudden onset of pain and point tenderness over the rib cage. Common activities associated with this type of injury include cricket, javelin throwing, rowing, and ice hockey. Although an uncommon injury, it is significant for elite athletes because it results in exclusion from competition and prolonged convalescence. Somewhat surprisingly, the anatomic basis of the injury has not been described in the literature. After performing MRI in a group of patients who presented with side strain, we believe it is caused by a tear of the internal oblique muscle from its rib or costal cartilage origin.

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 Side Strain - The Complete Injury Guide

Do you suffer from pain in your side muscles while sitting, lifting, or bending over? A side strain can impact almost every part of your life, making everyday tasks almost impossible. Also known as an oblique muscle strain, a side strain can develop into a serious injury if proper treatment is not found in a timely manner.

Articles of Interest

Characteristics of internal oblique muscle strain in professional baseball players: a case series

Baseball players who have symptoms at the side of the trunk should be regarded as having possible internal oblique muscle strain, and proactive examination should be considered.

Oblique Muscle Injury

Basically, oblique injuries occur with the abdominal muscles on the side of the toro. Their main function is to rotate the trunk. The primary muscles included in the diagnosis of an oblique strain include the internal oblique, external oblique and/or the transverse abdominal muscle. An oblique muscle strain, by definition, is a tear of the muscle fibers, but the degree of tear is what determines the severity. The mildest form of injury is a stretch of the muscle fibers which is classically referred to as a strain, however, more severe injuries can be due to a partial or complete tear.

Oblique Muscle Injury: Effective Non-Invasive Treatments

Oblique muscle injuries, while common in certain sports, can be effectively managed through alternative, minimally invasive methods such as hydrodissection. This approach has demonstrated exceptional success in treating both muscle and fascia injuries, offering a faster, less invasive option for recovery. At our clinic, we continue to implement and refine these treatments, ensuring that our patients benefit from the latest advancements in sports medicine.

Oblique Strains 101

The incidence of Oblique Strains in the game of baseball has skyrocketed in the 21st century. It is unclear whether this is due to changes in training styles, pitching mechanics, or simply better medical examinations/diagnosis.

Oblique Strains in Baseball Players: A Deep Dive into One of the Game’s Most Frustrating Injuries

Oblique strains are among the most debilitating soft tissue injuries in baseball due to the central role of core rotation in both throwing and hitting. With early recognition, targeted rehab, and proper return-to-play protocols, most athletes can recover fully—but patience and precision are essential.

Side Strain in Depth

A Side Strain refers to a tear of the Internal Oblique, the External Oblique, or the Transversalis fascia at the point where they attach to the four bottom ribs . The Internal Oblique and External Oblique muscles are located between the lower ribs and pelvis, on both the left and right side. They work together to produce twisting movements or side bending of the trunk and also work in conjunction with the other abdominal and lower back muscles to stabilise the core area..

Sidelined by Side Strain? Learn About Oblique Muscle Pain

Also dubbed side strain, oblique muscle pain can be a persistent discomfort that affects the sides of your abdominal area. There are many possible causes for this pain to emerge, but it typically occurs in athletes or those doing repetitive motions such as twisting, bending, or heavy lifting.

Understanding Oblique Tear Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide

Oblique tears occur when the internal or external oblique muscles are overworked, overstretched, or subjected to sudden, forceful movements. This can happen during activities such as sports, heavy lifting, or even sudden twisting motions. The severity of the injury can range from a mild strain to a complete tear, with symptoms varying accordingly.