As a sports physiotherapist with years of experience, I’ve witnessed the consequences of athletes pushing through injuries.
Recently, Shohei Ohtani suffered an oblique strain during his practice session at the Angel Stadium last September 4th, 2023. It’s imperative to shed light on the potential repercussions of ignoring an injury like that.
Table of Contents
The Importance of Recognising an Athlete’s Injury
Firstly, it’s crucial to acknowledge the immense dedication and competitive spirit that drives athletes like Ohtani. Their passion for the game often leads them to downplay injuries, but in the case of an oblique strain, doing so can have severe consequences.
The oblique muscles are essential for the rotational movements crucial in baseball. Any disruption in their function can significantly affect performance.
The Potential Complications of an Oblique Strain
If Ohtani were not sidelined for the season to properly address his right oblique strain, the risk is substantial. Let’s delve into the potential complications:
How Severe Is an Oblique Strain?
Oblique strains are graded by how much of the muscle fibre is involved:
Grade 1 (mild): A small number of fibres are stretched or slightly torn. Pain is present but movement is largely preserved. Recovery typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Grade 2 (moderate): A more significant partial tear. Noticeable weakness and pain on trunk rotation. Recovery usually takes 4–8 weeks.
Grade 3 (severe): A complete or near-complete tear. Significant pain, swelling, and inability to rotate. Recovery may take 3 months or longer, and in some cases surgery is considered.
Ohtani’s strain was described as a right oblique strain significant enough to end his pitching for the season, placing it firmly in the Grade 2–3 range. The distinction matters because Grade 1 strains that are undertreated can progress to Grade 2 or 3 on return to activity.
Rib Fracture and Cartilage Damage
The oblique muscles are intimately connected to the ribs and costal cartilage. An untreated oblique strain can place additional stress on these ribs and cartilage. It increases the risk of rib fractures and cartilage damage.
Rib fractures can be excruciatingly painful and can impede an athlete’s ability to swing, pitch, or even breathe comfortably. Cartilage damage could result in persistent discomfort and limit Ohtani’s ability to generate power during his pitches and swings.
Oblique Strain Recovery Time: A Phase-by-Phase Plan
In terms of recovery, it’s essential to emphasize that rushing the healing process is a recipe for disaster. The timeframe for recovery depends on the severity of the strain. Mild strains may resolve in 2–4 weeks; moderate strains typically require 4–8 weeks; severe strains can take 3 months or longer. A typical rehabilitation regimen involves:
Phase 1: Initial Recovery
Estimated Time:
By the 1st to the 2nd week of recovery (weeks 0-2)
Exercises:
- Rest and Pain Management: Complete rest to allow the injured muscles to heal, with pain management techniques.
- Evaluation and Assessment: Regular assessments by a physical therapist to monitor progress.
Phase 2: Early Rehabilitation
Estimated Time:
By the 2nd to the 4th week of recovery (weeks 2-4)
Exercises:
- Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises are necessary to improve flexibility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Isometric exercises are used to activate and strengthen the oblique muscles.
Phase 3: Intermediate Rehabilitation
Estimated Time:
By the 4th to the 8th week of recovery (weeks 4-8)
Exercises:
- Progressive Strengthening: Gradual progression from stretches to isotonic exercises.
- Functional Training: Integration of baseball-specific movements for better gradual practice.
Phase 4: Advanced Rehabilitation
Estimated Time
By the 8th week of recovery and beyond (weeks 8+)
Exercises:
- Sport-Specific Training: Incorporation of sport-specific drills and simulations.
- Gradual Return to Play: A structured return-to-play protocol with close monitoring.
Additional Notes
Throughout recovery, several supporting measures are commonly used alongside the phased exercise programme:
- continuous pain and symptom monitoring,
- education on injury prevention
- maintenance exercises
- sports taping for oblique support — kinesiology or rigid athletic tape applied around the lower ribcage to provide proprioceptive feedback and reduce discomfort during movement in the later stages of recovery
Can You Use a Stairmaster or Climb Stairs with an Oblique Strain?
Stair climbing and stairmaster use both require the oblique muscles to stabilise the trunk through each step. During the early phases of an oblique strain (weeks 0–4), these activities place repeated rotational load on the injured tissue and are typically avoided.
In Phase 3 (weeks 4–8), low-intensity stair climbing may be reintroduced as a functional movement — provided there is no sharp pain on trunk rotation and your physiotherapist has cleared you for progressive loading. The stairmaster, which adds a cardiovascular demand on top of the stabilisation requirement, is generally left for Phase 4 (week 8+) as part of sport-specific conditioning.
If you experience a catching sensation, sharp pain, or referred rib pain on any step, stop and reassess with your physiotherapist before continuing.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, Shohei Ohtani’s health and long-term career prospects should be the priority. Rushing him back onto the field could exacerbate his injury, jeopardize his performance, and compromise his future in the game.
The decision to sideline him for the season is undoubtedly a difficult one, but it’s a wise one. It’s the necessary choice to protect his well-being and ensure he returns to the game at his best.
Let this serve as a reminder. In sports, as in life, sometimes the most challenging decisions are the ones that ensure a brighter future.
