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The oblique muscles are two abdominal muscles – the external and internal obliques – that provide trunk flexion and rotation. The external oblique is the largest, outermost, and thickest of the abdominal muscles, while the internal oblique lies underneath and closer to the core. Both muscles work together to twist or rotate the body and are important for supporting the body and forcing exhaled air out of the lungs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Two abdominal muscles – the external and internal obliques |
| Function | Provide trunk flexion and rotation, support the body, force exhaled air out of the lungs, provide stability to the ribcage and pelvis, assist in side bending the body, rotate the trunk, assist in flexing the trunk forward |
| Location | Lateral to the torso, the external obliques sit on the outer edge of the abdomen, and the internal obliques sit directly next to them, closer to the core |
| Appearance | The external oblique is the largest, thickest, and outermost of the three flat abdominal muscles of the lateral anterior abdomen |
| Structure | The internal oblique muscle sits underneath the external oblique muscle |
| Nerve Supply | The external oblique is supplied by ventral branches of the lower six thoracoabdominal nerves and the subcostal nerve on each side |
| Blood Supply | The cranial portion of the external oblique is supplied by the lower intercostal arteries, whereas the caudal portion is supplied by branches of either the deep circumflex iliac artery or the iliolumbar artery |
| Injury | Oblique strain, a common baseball injury, particularly in pitchers |
| Exercise | Oblique exercises are often considered functional strength exercises |
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What You'll Learn
The external oblique muscle
The external oblique functions to pull the chest downwards and compress the abdominal cavity, which increases intra-abdominal pressure as in a Valsalva maneuver. It also performs ipsilateral side-bending and contralateral rotation: the right external oblique would side-bend to the right and rotate to the left, and vice versa. The oblique muscles are important in supporting the body and helping to force exhaled air out of the lungs. They also provide stability to the ribcage and pelvis, assist in side-bending the body, rotate the trunk, and assist in flexing the trunk forward.
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The internal oblique muscle
The oblique muscles are important for supporting the body and forcing exhaled air out of the lungs. They also provide stability to the ribcage and pelvis, assist in side-bending the body, rotate the trunk, and assist in flexing the trunk forward. These motions are integral to many activities of daily living, which is why oblique exercises are often considered functional strength exercises.
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Oblique muscle pain
The obliques are the muscles that run down the sides of the abdomen. There are two sets of oblique muscles: external and internal obliques. The external obliques sit on the outer edge of the abdomen, and the internal obliques lie underneath, closer to the core. These muscles work together when the body twists or rotates at the core.
The symptoms of an oblique strain include pain when repeating the movement that caused the injury and tenderness on the side of the nondominant arm. For example, if someone throws with their right arm, the strain will occur on their left oblique. Oblique injuries can also contribute to burning and discomfort in the urinary tract and bladder and can cause incontinence in some individuals.
If the pain persists or is severe, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying or serious medical conditions. Physical therapy can be effective in treating oblique muscle pain and typically involves exercises that focus on strengthening and stabilising the core. Gentle stretching exercises can also help to improve flexibility and promote healing.
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Oblique muscle strain
The oblique muscles refer to two abdominal muscles: the external and internal obliques. These muscles provide trunk flexion and rotation and are important for supporting the body, forcing exhaled air out of the lungs, providing stability to the ribcage and pelvis, and assisting in side bending and forward flexion of the body.
The main symptoms of an oblique muscle strain include pain at the side or front/side of the abdomen, pain when twisting from a seated position, and pain when rising from a lying position. Other symptoms include limited range of motion and swelling. It is important to seek treatment for an oblique muscle strain to prevent the injury from becoming more serious or chronic.
Treatment for an oblique muscle strain typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy. It is important to avoid activities that worsen the pain and to keep the abdominal muscles supported when sitting or lying down. Physical therapy may include manual therapy techniques such as trigger point therapy and joint manipulation, as well as gentle stretching to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the torso. Electrical stimulation and TENS (transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation) can also be effective in providing pain relief and triggering healing processes in the muscle.
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Oblique muscle exercises
The oblique muscles are important for supporting the body and forcing exhaled air out of the lungs. They also provide stability to the ribcage and pelvis, assist in side bending the body, rotating the trunk, and flexing the trunk forward. The oblique muscles are made up of two layers: the internal and external obliques. The internal obliques lie under the external obliques, making them the core's deeper muscles.
- Stand with your back against the wall with your feet about one foot in front of the wall and hip-width apart. Soften your knees so they are slightly bent. Gently perform a pelvic tilt with the glutes relaxed. Reach your arms forward and down so your upper back comes off the wall but the lower region of your back should remain in contact with the wall. Imagine there is a magnet gently pulling your knees towards one another, but do not let them touch. Inhale, pressing your arms back to the wall. Exhale, reaching your armpits forward. Your upper back will peel off the wall a little more with each exhale. Perform four breaths, then repeat three times.
- Lie on your left side with your right leg stacked on top of your left leg, and your left forearm on the ground with your elbow underneath your shoulder. Brace your core and push off the ground so your body is being supported by your left arm and foot; your body should form a straight line from head to feet that makes about a 45-degree angle with the ground. Raise your right arm up toward the ceiling without letting your hips dip.
- Lie on your back on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat. Arms should be down by your sides with palms facing up or down, depending on your preference. Inhale and use your core to lift your head and upper back off the ground. Reach down to your left side, tapping your heel with your left hand. Think of this movement as a side crunch, and resist the urge to lift your upper body further off the ground. Return to the centre. Repeat on the right side.
- Planks are also a great way to target your side abs, as well as your upper body and one of the muscles in your booty called the gluteus medius, an important stabilizer for your pelvis.
There are many other exercises that can help strengthen your oblique muscles, such as the Russian twist, single-leg jackknife, and row your boat. It is important to note that you do not need to do targeted oblique exercises every day, as they are involved in many full-body compound movements. Oblique-strengthening exercises can be done two to three times a week.
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Frequently asked questions
Oblique muscles refer to two abdominal muscles – the external and internal obliques. These muscles provide trunk flexion and rotation. The external oblique is the thickest and runs from the lower ribs to the iliac crest. The internal oblique lies under the external muscle and also originates at the iliac crest before reaching the pubic bone.
The oblique muscles are important to support the body and they help to force exhaled air out of the lungs. They also provide stability to the ribcage and pelvis, assist in side bending the body, rotate the trunk, and assist in flexing the trunk forward.
Oblique muscle pain is typically a sign of injury to the oblique, or side, muscles. Strains generally affect muscles and tendons. Tendon tears from the lower rib cage are common in oblique strains.
