About Sports Hernia
A sports hernia, also called athletic pubalgia, is a strain or tear of the soft tissues in the lower abdomen or groin, often where the abdominal muscles and the adductor (inner thigh) tendons attach to the pelvis. Despite the name, it is not a true hernia, and there is usually no visible bulge.
It is most common in sports that involve sudden changes of direction, kicking, twisting and explosive sprinting, such as hockey, soccer and football.
The pain often starts gradually and can be felt in the lower abdomen, groin or inner thigh, sometimes on one side first and then both. Many athletes keep playing through it, which can make the problem harder to settle.
Common Signs of a Sports Hernia
Typical symptoms include a deep ache or sharp pain in the groin or lower abdomen during sprinting, cutting, kicking or sit-ups, discomfort that eases with rest but returns with activity, and pain when coughing or sneezing.
Groin pain has many possible sources, including the hip joint, adductor muscles and pelvis. A careful assessment helps identify what is driving your symptoms, and your physiotherapist can refer you for imaging or to a physician if needed.
How Physiotherapy Helps Sports Hernia
Rehabilitation focuses on calming irritation, then rebuilding the strength and control of the deep core, hips and pelvis so that load is shared properly.
Treatment may include activity modification, manual therapy, hip and trunk mobility, progressive strengthening of the abdominal wall, adductors and glutes, and sport-specific drills as you improve. We also review training load, technique and movement patterns that may be contributing.
When surgery is recommended, we guide your recovery after surgery in line with your surgeon’s protocol.
Returning to Sport
A gradual, criteria-based return helps lower the chance of the pain coming back. We progress you from basic strength and running to cutting, kicking and game-speed movement as each stage feels comfortable.
If groin or lower abdominal pain is limiting your training, book an assessment at Premier Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine in Vaughan, ON.
Your Next Steps…
- Request An Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
- Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free
