Abdominal Pain during Triathlons

[swindon-kev]

HI everyone,
Hopefully some will be able to help me, I'm a graduate Sports Therapist that regularly participates in triathlon and duathlons. Over the past year I have been having a pain in my abs and is always in the same place. The pain is like a stitch feeling but doesnt go, I never get it in the swim or whilst training in for the disiplines individually. It get that bad I struggle to take deep breaths.
I thought it maybe nutrition and maybe lack of electrolytes, or weak lower back as cycling on my tribars maybe tiring my back muscles and maybe my abs are then working to much when into the run. However I have tried drinking electrolytes before racing as well as strenthening my lower back.
Any suggestions or help much appreciated
Thanks
Kev

Similar Threads:

• Abdominal/groin pain from football
• Abdominal Muscles
• Abdominal Pain/Strain ??
• Abdominal binders
• Post op pain in abdominal surgeries

[Kristiano]

how many abs position do you perform? try also to target the core muscles...

[violablue]

Whereabouts in your abs? If it's upper lateral, may be serratus anterior trigger point issues. They often cause that 'stitch' sensation. Self-Treatment for Side Stitch Caused by Trigger Points in Serratus Anterior Muscle Might possibly me psoas issues...is the sensation more cramping or sharp?

[swindon-kev]

HI thank you for your reply, no its more around the 8th rib. The next day after an event it is tender if i palpate or stretch the abs

[violablue]

Then I'd definitely work on the serratus anterior and see if that makes a difference.

[msk101]

Could you be more specific as to the location of the pain please?
sometimes being scrunched on the bike and then stretching out on the run can cause discomfort with the contraction of the intercostal muscles too. try raising your headpost by about 1 inch and see if that changes things... i'd suggest to do a training ride and go straight into a T2 run for 20 minutes or so just easy to see if that helps (rather than testing it on a race day). also ensure that your seat position on the bike is angled suitably for you and you have the right reach between seat and handlebars - make sure you do a bike set-up evaluation with you in the aero position, not on the handlebars itself to make sure your back isn't too arched or you're not reaching too much when you're in aero.

Cheers
msk101