Internal Oblique Tear: Causes, Symptoms & Physiotherapy Management at Physio360 Chennai.

INTRODUCTION;

An internal oblique tear is a painful muscle injury that can greatly limit core strength, trunk mobility, and daily activity. At Physio360 Chennai, we specialise in diagnosing and treating internal oblique muscle tears through a combination of expert physiotherapy techniques, customised exercise plans, and manual therapy for faster recovery and long-term relief.

What is the Internal Oblique Muscle?

The internal oblique is a deep abdominal muscle that lies just beneath the external oblique. It plays a vital role in:

• Trunk rotation and side bending

• Supporting the core and spine

• Assisting in forced expiration and pelvic stabilisation

  
  

Causes of Internal Oblique Tear

A tear can occur due to:

• Sudden twisting motions or trunk rotation (e.g., in cricket, tennis, or golf)

• Lifting heavy objects improperly

• Overuse injuries in athletes or fitness enthusiasts

• Direct trauma to the abdomen

• Poor core stability or weak abdominal muscles

  
  

Symptoms of an Internal Oblique Muscle Tear

Patients may experience:

• Sharp or pulling pain in the side of the abdomen

• Pain worsens with twisting, bending, coughing, or sneezing

• Bruising or swelling in the side trunk area

• Muscle spasms or cramping

• Difficulty with deep breathing or trunk rotation

  
  

Diagnosis at Physio360

At Physio360 Clinic in Chennai, our experienced physiotherapists will:

• Take a thorough history and physical examination

• Perform special tests to identify a muscle tear and rule out other conditions

• Refer for imaging (ultrasound or MRI) if needed

  
  

Physiotherapy Management at Physio360

1. Acute Phase (0–7 days):

✅ Rest from aggravating activities

✅ Application of ice to reduce inflammation,

✅ Use of supportive taping or compression

✅ Gentle breathing exercises and isometric holds

2. Subacute Phase (1–3 weeks):

✅ Introduction of pain-free mobility exercises,

✅ Core activation drills like pelvic tilts and abdominal bracing,

✅ Manual therapy and soft tissue release techniques

3. Strengthening Phase (3–6 weeks):

✅ Gradual loading through core strengthening (planks, oblique crunches)

✅ Trunk stability training using resistance bands and stability balls.

✅ Sport-specific rehab for athletes

4. Return to Activity (6–8 weeks):

✅ Emphasis on dynamic movements, rotation drills, and functional training

✅ Advice on posture, body mechanics, and injury prevention

Why Choose Physio360 for Internal Oblique Tear Treatment?

• Certified physiotherapists with expertise in sports and musculoskeletal injuries

• Located in Gerugambakkam, Chennai, accessible from Porur, Moulivakkam, Kolapakkam, and beyond

• Focus on root cause identification, not just symptom relief

• Personalised care with core-focused rehab and postural correction

• Flexible appointment timings and affordable consultations

  
  

Real Recovery Begins at Physio360.

If you're struggling with abdominal or side pain, don't ignore it. An untreated internal oblique tear can lead to chronic instability, recurring injuries, and prolonged weakness.

Book your assessment today at Physio360 Chennai.

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE.

1. ACUTE TEARING OF THE OBLIQUE ABDOMINAL WALL INSERTION ONTO THE ILIAC CREST IN AN AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL PLAYER: A CASE REPORThttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5159636/.

2.Abdominal oblique muscle injury at its junction with the thoracolumbar fascia in a high school baseball player presenting with unilateral low back painhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8075560/.