An oblique injury, also known as a side strain, is a muscle strain caused by tearing of the transversalis fascia or the internal oblique muscle. The oblique muscles are located on the outer surface of the sides of the abdomen and control bending physical activities such as twisting the torso, side bending, and breathing movements. Oblique injuries can feel like sharp pain in the rib cage, lower ribs, or the front side of the abdomen, and the pain gets aggravated when you twist your body from a sitting position or when rising from a bed. Oblique injuries are common in sports that involve planting the feet and twisting with maximum effort, such as ice hockey, soccer, wrestling, golf, and baseball. The injury may happen suddenly or over time from regular repetitive activity. The preferred treatment for an oblique injury is regular rest and inactivity on the affected muscle. With appropriate rest, regular activity on the muscle can occur between 4 and 6 weeks, though it may take longer. Physical therapy may benefit athletes who want to return to their sport stronger and wiser.