"Side strains tend to recur because the forces involved are so high." - Dr John Orchard
Few injuries frustrate athletes quite like a side strain.
The injury affects the oblique muscles along the side of the abdomen, which play a crucial role in rotational movement. That makes them particularly vulnerable in sports involving throwing, bowling, batting or striking.
In cricket, fast bowlers are especially susceptible.
Side strains typically occur when the trunk rotates forcefully while the muscle is lengthening - a combination that places enormous stress on the abdominal wall.
Sports medicine physician Dr John Orchard, who has studied injury patterns in cricket extensively, has highlighted why these injuries often recur.
"Side strains tend to recur because the forces involved are so high," he said.
Even after the muscle heals, athletes must rebuild confidence in explosive rotation.
Rehabilitation programmes now focus heavily on restoring rotational strength and control, including:
• anti-rotation core stability
• controlled medicine ball rotation drills
• gradual reintroduction of bowling intensity
The goal is not simply healing the muscle, but restoring the movement pattern that caused the injury.
Because in rotational sports, the obliques rarely experience moderate stress - they experience extreme stress.
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