Prevention (Prevention)
The occurrence of an abdominal muscle strain can be prevented in most cases by simple measures. For this reason, people who do a lot of sports should urgently note that each training session must be started with a light warm-up. Only through targeted warming up and pre-stretching of the muscles can they be prepared for the later strain.
The risk of developing an abdominal muscle strain increases significantly, especially in cold weather conditions. For this reason, especially on cold days before the actual training, great importance should be attached to an extensive warm-up. A period of at least 15 to 20 minutes should be planned for the warm-up training.
In addition, high ambient temperatures can also have a negative effect on the muscles’ ability to cope with stress. Although warm weather reduces the cold-related risk of developing abdominal muscle strain, the organism tends to lose more fluid and electrolytes, especially at high temperatures. Both the loss of fluid and the lack of electrolytes can affect the muscles’ ability to cope with stress to such an extent that the development of an abdominal muscle strain occurs much more frequently.
For this reason, people who exercise at high temperatures should always ensure that they have a sufficient supply of fluids. In addition, a pronounced lack of magnesium and calcium in particular represents an increased risk for the development of an abdominal muscle strain. The external supply of these substances can prevent the development of abdominal muscle strain.
Therapy
The course of an abdominal muscle strain can be significantly influenced by the early initiation of a suitable treatment. Even a short time after the onset of the first symptoms, simple first aid measures can help to shorten the time to full recovery. The so-called “PECH rule” is considered to be an aid to remember the most suitable first aid measures for patients with an abdominal muscle strain: As soon as the typical symptoms of an abdominal muscle strain begin to appear, all sports activities must be stopped immediately.
This sports leave should be observed urgently for a period of at least one to two weeks. In addition, passive movements must be avoided during the healing phase. Immediately after the onset of pain, the abdominal region should also be cautiously cooled.
Cooling with the help of a cooling pad or cold compresses can be carried out over a period of approximately 15 to 20 minutes. However, affected persons should urgently note that the coolant should never be placed directly on the skin surface. Direct contact between the coolant and the skin surface can lead to serious complications.
In order to avoid damage caused by the cold, it is therefore recommended that the coolant be wrapped in a thin towel and only then placed on the affected area. In the case of a pulled abdominal muscle, both elevation and compression of the affected area can prove difficult. Nevertheless, these measures help to prevent the accumulation of fluid in the area of the torn muscle and thus significantly shorten the healing time.
Even the conscientious implementation of these first aid measures can promptly relieve the symptoms caused by the abdominal muscle strain. It is not always necessary to consult a doctor if an abdominal muscle strain is present. Only in cases where the pain caused by the muscle injury does not subside within a short period of time can a visit to a doctor be useful. In addition, the restriction of movement and the lack of muscle strength are considered to indicate the presence of a more complicated injury (e.g. a torn muscle fibre). – P = Pause
- E = ice
- C = Compression (Compression)
- H = high storage
