Non-Operative Treatment

The initial treatment for a core muscle injury is traditional conservative therapy consisting of anti-inflammatory medications, core stability physical therapy, heat/ice therapies, massage therapy, steroid injections, PRP injections, and/or prolonged rest. While this course of treatment is preferred initially to surgery, it is seldom effective. Often times, a steroid injection or PRP injection may offer temporary relief so that an athlete may finish their season.

 

Generally, severe injuries do not heal without surgery; and if an injury is diagnosed early in the season, the best option may be to have surgery immediately. 

 

If an athlete does need surgery, it can sometimes be deferred until after the season, depending on a number of factors, including level of performance, risk of altered mechanics, timing within the season, or contract issues.