Sports Hernia

A sports hernia is groin pain that results from a strain or tear of soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the lower abdomen or groin. It is a common injury among athletes especially ice hockey players, long-distance runners, and lacrosse athletes as these sports involve repetitive kicking, twisting, cutting, or turning movements.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Deep, sharp pain in the groin and/or lower abdominal area that can radiate into the front or inside of the thigh as well as to the low back that increases with running, cutting, kicking, coughing, and sneezing, and improves with rest.

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?

PT treatment will consist of manual soft tissue mobilization, stretching, and joint mobilizations to reduce strain of soft tissue and improve range of motion. These treatments are used to control symptoms in order to be able to restore muscle balance through improving muscle activation, flexibility, and functional strengthening. Your PT will give you a home exercise program to help you progress as quickly as possible.