External Oblique Muscle Tear: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery with Physio360 Chennai.

INTRODUCTION;

A tear in the external oblique muscle can be severely painful and limiting especially for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals involved in physical labor. At Physio360 Chennai, we provide targeted physiotherapy for external oblique muscle injuries to reduce pain, improve function, and speed up recovery through expert care and individualized rehab programs.

What is the External Oblique Muscle?

The external oblique is a large, flat muscle located on the sides and front of the abdomen. It plays a crucial role in:

• Trunk rotation and side bending

• Core stabilization

• Supporting movements like twisting, coughing, and lifting

• Helping with forced exhalation

  
  

Common Causes of External Oblique Muscle Tear.

An external oblique tear often results from:

• Sudden twisting or rotational movement (e.g., during golf, tennis, cricket)

• Lifting heavy weights with poor form

• Direct trauma to the side of the trunk

• Overuse during repetitive activities

• Weak core muscles or poor postural control

  
  

Symptoms to Watch For.

You may have an external oblique tear if you experience:

• Sharp pain in the side or front of the lower ribs/abdomen

• Pain that worsens with twisting, bending, or deep breathing

• Tenderness, swelling, or even visible bruising

• Discomfort during core exercises, coughing, or sneezing

• Difficulty performing daily activities or sports routines

  
  

Diagnosis at Physio360.

At Physio360 Chennai, our trained physiotherapists will:

• Take a detailed history and perform a clinical examination

• Use special muscle tests to isolate oblique injuries

• Suggest ultrasound or MRI if the tear is severe or deep

  
  

Physiotherapy Management at Physio360 Chennai

We follow a structured, evidence-based rehab plan tailored to your condition:

🔹 Acute Phase (0–7 Days):

✅ Rest and avoid aggravating movements

✅ Apply ice therapy to control swelling

✅ Use compression or kinesiology taping if needed

✅ Begin gentle breathing and isometric exercises

🔹 Subacute Phase (1–3 Weeks):

✅ Progress to mobility exercises like side stretches and rotations

✅ Manual therapy to reduce tightness and enhance circulation

✅ Start core activation drills (e.g., pelvic tilts, abdominal bracing)

🔹 Strengthening Phase (3–6 Weeks):

✅ Controlled core strengthening (planks, resisted trunk rotations)

✅ Functional movement training for twisting and lifting tasks

✅ Address postural and muscular imbalances

🔹 Return to Activity (6–8 Weeks):

✅ Sports-specific drills and dynamic movement retraining

✅ Emphasis on injury prevention, posture, and core endurance

✅ Education on lifting techniques and exercise form.

Why Physio360 is Your Best Choice for Muscle Tear Rehab

• Expert physiotherapists skilled in musculoskeletal and sports injury rehab

• Conveniently located in Gerugambakkam, Chennai, near Porur, Moulivakkam, and Kolapakkam

• Root cause analysis to prevent recurrence

• Holistic approach combining manual therapy, core rehab, and education

• Affordable, transparent treatment plans with extended hours

  
  

Regain Your Strength with Physio360 Chennai

Ignoring an external oblique tear may lead to chronic core weakness, recurring pain, and even functional limitations. Timely physiotherapy is key to a full recovery.

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE.

1.Uncommon external abdominal oblique muscle strain in a professional soccer player: A case reporthttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/266381914_Uncommon_external_abdominal_oblique_muscle_strain_in_a_professional_soccer_player_A_case_report.