Phillies Outfielder on Disabled List from Abdominal Strain

July 29, 2010 in News and Press by excel

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino has been put on the 15-day disabled list, but he may not be back until mid-August.  Victorino suffered his injury during Tuesday night’s game against the Diamondbacks.  He strained his left abdominal muscle while diving back to first base during a pick-off attempt and he aggravated the injury by continuing to play in the outfield.

Abdominal strains, like the injury to Shane Victorino, are often very painful and can be difficult to manage.  The term “strain” indicates muscle injury, usually microscopic tearing of the muscle.  When the muscle contracts, it causes pain at these tears.  There are few movements that people make where there is NO contraction of the abdominal muscles and the abdominal muscles are the driving force for all athletics, especially baseball, as they stabilize the body while the player bats and throws.

The key aspect to the treatment of abdominal strains is the initial treatment, there needs to be relative rest and decreased activities to allow the muscle to heal.  This is the difficult part with professional athletes! Then, based on the symptoms, the rehab will progressively strengthen the abdominals and incorporate functional movements that simulate batting and throwing.  The key to the recovery is patience.

To read more about how the Phillies will handle the injury of one its major players, click here. We hope Victorino makes a speedy but healthy recovery and is back in action with our hometown team in no time!

-Contributed by: Joe Ruhl, President