Home care for an abdominal
muscle strain includes:
- Apply a cold compress:
- Wrap ice in a moist hand towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours, for the first few days.
- After 3 days, try warm compresses or soaks for muscle stiffness and pain.
- Rest the injury. Avoid activities where you could re-injure the abdomen.
- Start early stretching and range of motion exercises after a few days, but not to cause pain.
- Gradually work up to muscle strengthening exercises in 1-2 weeks.
- Gentle massage may be beneficial after 1-2 weeks.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain
- Acetaminophen for pain
