Anatomy
Abdominal Oblique Muscles
The obliques form the sides of the abdominal wall. They are essential for turning the trunk, throwing, striking and protecting the lower back.
- External oblique
Where is it?
The external oblique starts on the lower ribs and runs diagonally down to the pelvis and the midline of the abdomen. The internal oblique, beneath it, crosses in the opposite direction.
What does it do?
They rotate and side-bend the trunk, help bend it forward and raise abdominal pressure to stabilise the spine during effort, coughing or forced breathing out.
Common problems
Each problem has its own detailed page: symptoms, causes, treatment and when to seek care.
How we can help
When to seek care
Book an appointment if side or groin pain returns with effort. A groin bulge that does not go back, severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting or chest pain need urgent medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Other areas of the body
Educational content: it does not replace an assessment. Your therapist determines the cause of your symptoms in person.