What is the cause of breast and abdominal pain during exercise?

From the Guidelines

For breast and abdominal pain, I recommend a gentle workout approach that focuses on low-impact exercises while avoiding activities that increase discomfort, as this approach can help reduce pain perception and prevent additional strain on sensitive tissues 1.

Key Considerations

When designing a workout plan for individuals with breast and abdominal pain, it's essential to consider the potential causes of pain, such as noncyclical breast pain, which can be related to trauma, surgery, or other factors 1.

• Start with light walking for 15-20 minutes daily, gradually increasing duration as tolerated
• Include gentle stretching exercises like cat-cow poses, child's pose, and seated twists to relieve tension
• Consider adding modified yoga poses such as supported bridge pose and gentle supine twists, holding each for 30-60 seconds
• Swimming or water aerobics can be particularly beneficial as the buoyancy reduces pressure on painful areas

Breast-Specific Considerations

For breast-specific discomfort, ensure you're wearing a supportive sports bra during all activities 1.

• If pain is menstrual-related, timing workouts during less painful days of your cycle may help
• Heat therapy (warm shower or heating pad) for 15 minutes before exercise can relax muscles and reduce pain

Abdominal Considerations

Gastrointestinal complaints during exercise are common, especially in endurance athletes, and often impair performance or subsequent recovery 1.

• Nutritional training and appropriate nutrition choices can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort during exercise
• Avoid high-impact activities that may exacerbate abdominal pain

Gradual Progression

Start with just 10-15 minutes of activity if pain is significant, gradually building up tolerance 1.

• Monitor pain levels and adjust the workout plan accordingly
• Prioritize low-impact exercises and avoid activities that increase discomfort

From the Research

Breast and Abdominal Pain during Workout

• Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP) and shoulder tip pain (STP) are common issues experienced by individuals who engage in regular sporting activities 2.
• The prevalence and severity of ETAP and STP decrease with age, and younger respondents are more likely to experience ETAP on the left side of the abdomen 2.
• Certain types of exercise, such as running and horse riding, are more likely to cause ETAP and STP compared to others like cycling 2.
• Exercise can induce pain in healthy individuals, and this pain can occur during or after exercise, including delayed-onset muscle soreness 3.
• The gastrointestinal tract can be affected by physical exercise, with mild-to-moderate intensity exercises having a protective role, while acute strenuous exercise may provoke symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea 4.

Management of Breast and Abdominal Pain

• Heat and cold therapies are commonly used to manage musculoskeletal injury and pain, but the evidence supporting their efficacy is limited 5.
• Resistance exercise has been shown to be effective in increasing lean mass in breast cancer patients, while caloric restriction and combined exercise + caloric restriction can reduce fat mass and body weight 6.
• Multimodal exercise and diet programs can be effective in reducing fat mass, body fat percentage, and body weight, and increasing or preserving lean mass in breast cancer patients 6.