How to Treat an Abdominal Muscle Strain

Abdominal muscle strains are not reserved solely for athletes. Anyone can suffer an abdominal strain. The pain and discomfort suffered from a strain can be debilitating, making everyday activities difficult. Treatment for abdominal strains is similar to any other strain remedy. Follow a few simple self-care steps and you'll be able to return to your regular activities within a few weeks. If your pain is very severe, however, don't hesitate to consult with a health care professional.

Things You'll Need

• Compression wrap
• Ice pack
• Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs

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Instructions

Treating an Abdominal Strain

• 1

  Rest your abdominal muscles. This step is often overlooked by athletes and other competitors. Allow time for the injury to heal. Limit the amount of strenuous activity that you participate in over the next few weeks while the strain heals. Gradually increase your activity to include light stretching.

• 2

  Apply ice to the muscle strain. Put ice in a plastic bag and place it directly on the injured area. Use a thin towel to insulate the area if the ice becomes too cold. A typical application lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. Use ice every four hours for the first few days after injury to help reduce pain and swelling.

• 3

  Wrap a compression bandage or wrap around the injured area. Compression helps to limit swelling, and the wrap serves as a reminder to limit activity.

• 4

  Ask your physician if it is appropriate to take NSAID medications to help reduce pain and inflammation. Medications like ibuprofen can help minimize the discomfort that an abdominal strain may cause.

• 5

  See your physician if your abdominal pain does not diminish within two to three weeks. Most strains will begin to heal within that time frame.