1. Abdominal Injuries

2. Abdominal Anatomy
The abdomen is the space between the chest and the pelvis
The abdomen contains the kidney, spleen and all of the digestive organs
Stomach, small and large intestines, pancreas, liver and gallbladder

3. Abdominal Anatomy
The diaphragm is a muscle that forms the upper surface of the abdomen
The pelvic bones form the lower region of the abdomen
There are 4 muscle groups within the abdominal cavity: Transverse Abdominus, Rectus Abdominus, Internal Oblique's and External Oblique's

4. Abdominal Anatomy

5. Did you know…
Most injuries to the chest/abdominal area are the result of a direct blow and are usually superficial. However, because the chest and abdominal cavity house the heart, lungs and other vital organs, injuries to this area can be life-threatening.

6. Blow to the Solar Plexus
Most common intra-abdominal injury
Commonly known as having the “wind knocked out”
Network of nerves located in the upper middle region of the abdomen
Blow to this area can cause temporary paralysis to the diaphragm

7. Blow to the Solar Plexus – Signs and Symptoms
Individuals may become very anxious because of the perceived inability to breathe
Injury is usually short in duration

8. Blow to the Solar Plexus - Treatment
Condition responds to a few minutes of rest and reassurance
Comfort individual, loosen belts and any constricting clothing
If complete recovery does not occur within minutes or if pain, tenderness or signs of shock appear there may be an intra-abdominal injury – take individual to hospital immediately

9. Side Stitches
Pain that occurs just under the rib cage – usually on the right side
Occurs during vigorous exercise
Seem to occur more commonly in beginning exercisers

10. Side Stitches – Treatment
Many theories on how to alleviate
Stretching
Altering breathing patterns
Walk briskly instead of running
What works for one person may not work for another

11. Side Stitches – Prevention
Do a gradual warm up
Take deep full breaths while running
Drink plenty of water
Avoid eating 1 hour prior to running

12. Exercise – Induced Asthma
Airway narrowing is a result of increased physical activity
Can occur during or after exercise
Can occur in people that do not have chronic asthma – exercise is the only cause for asthma

13. Exercise – Induced Asthma Signs and Symptoms
Coughing
Wheezing
Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
Chest Tightness

14. Exercise – Induced Asthma - Treatment
An inhaler should be carried with anyone who has been diagnosed
If asthma symptoms are well controlled exercise-induced asthma should not limit performance

15. Rib Contusions
Bruising of the intercostal muscles by a direct blow to the ribs
Can possibly damage the soft tissue surrounding the ribs
Common in contact sports such as football, rugby, soccer, wrestling and basketball

16. Rib Contusions – Signs and symptoms
Tenderness and pain when the chest is palpated (touched)
Sharp pain while breathing

17. Rib Contusions – Treatment
Immediately following the injury apply ice for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours
Monitor the individuals for signs of a more serious injury

18. Rib Fractures Break in the bony structure of the thorax
The ribs have a certain amount of movement for respiration so the amount of force needed to fracture a rib is pretty significant
Fairly common in collisions sports such as football, wrestling and soccer

19. Rib Fractures
Fractures on three or more consecutive ribs on the same side of the chest creates a condition known as flail chest
Flail chest does not allow normal inhalation and exhalation of the lungs

20. Rib Fractures – Signs and Symptoms
Severe pain during breathing – rapid shallow breathing
Pain and tenderness when touched
Crepitus may occur – grating feeling produced by fractured bone ends rubbing together

21. Rib Fractures – Treatment
Immediate medical attention must be sought
Jagged edges of the rib could potentially puncture lungs or heart
Support the fracture site with a pillow to help manage pain

22. Rib Fractures – Treatment
In most cases broken ribs heal on their own in 1-2 months
Pain management is key to allow regular respiration to prevent pneumonia from occurring

23. Diastasis Recti Separation of the rectus abdominus during pregnancy
Increased risk of occurring if:
Older than 35
Have multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.)
Have a baby with a high birth weight
Repeated pregnancies

24. Diastasis Recti – Signs and Symptoms
May cause a bulge in the middle of the abdomen where the two halves of the Rectus Abdominus come together
Causes weak abdominal muscles – may lead to lower back pain
May have difficulty lifting heavy objects or performing daily activities

25. Diastasis Recti – Treatment
Typically the condition will heal on it’s own – takes about 6 months
Depending on the degree of separation surgery may be needed
Avoid traditional sit-ups as this can put increased pressure on the muscles and worsen the condition

26. Prenatal Exercise Prenatal Exercises
Read the following article (click on hyperlink)
Write a 300 word summary of the article (can be written or typed
Create 3 questions for a class discussion (print a copy of the article if you want to refer to it during the class discussion)
Prenatal Exercises