How to quickly recover from lower abdominal muscle strain

Lower abdominal muscle strain can be promoted through rest, cold compress, pressure bandaging, medication treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation training to facilitate recovery. Lower abdominal muscle strains are often caused by factors such as excessive exercise, improper posture, and external impact, resulting in symptoms such as local pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

1. Rest and cold compress

During the acute phase, activity should be stopped immediately to avoid aggravating the injury. Ice compress for 15 minutes every 2 hours within 48 hours after injury can help reduce swelling and pain. When applying ice, wrap the ice cubes in a towel to avoid direct contact with the skin and frostbite. Raising the affected area can also help reduce local congestion.

2. Pressure bandaging

Using elastic bandages to apply moderate pressure bandaging to the injured area can limit the development of local swelling. When bandaging, attention should be paid to moderate elasticity to avoid affecting blood circulation. The bandage can be removed during nighttime rest, and re bandaged for protection during daytime activities. Pressure bandaging usually lasts for 3-5 days.

3. Medication therapy

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, celecoxib capsules, etc. can be used under the guidance of a doctor to alleviate pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxants such as methylprednisolone hydrochloride tablets can also help alleviate muscle spasms. Topical ointments such as diclofenac diethylamine emulsion also have certain effects.

4. Physical therapy

After the acute phase, physical therapy methods such as hot compress, ultrasound, and electrotherapy can be used to promote blood circulation and tissue repair. The temperature for hot compress should not be too high, and it is recommended to use it for 15-20 minutes each time. Physical therapy should be carried out under the guidance of professional personnel, usually requiring 5-10 sessions per course.

5. Rehabilitation Training

After pain relief, gentle stretching and strength training can be started to gradually restore muscle function. In the initial stage, you can start with static contraction exercises, such as lying down and lifting your legs for 10 seconds. As recovery progresses, dynamic training such as abdominal curling can be added. The training intensity should be gradual to avoid getting injured again. During the recovery period of lower abdominal muscle strain, sufficient sleep should be maintained, and vigorous exercise and heavy physical labor should be avoided. Increasing the intake of high-quality protein in diet, such as eggs, fish, etc., can help with muscle repair. When resuming exercise, warm up well, pay attention to proper movement, and use protective gear if necessary. If the symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical examination should be sought to rule out other possible injuries. Complete recovery usually takes 2-6 weeks, depending on individual circumstances.