physical therapy and exercises for sports hernia

what  is a sports hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. While hernias most commonly occur in the abdominal region, they can also develop in the upper thigh, groin, and belly button areas. However, a sports hernia. doesn’t fall into this category. Instead, it involves injuries such as tears and weakening of the deep layers of the abdominal wall. Repetitive hip and pelvic movements, common in sports, can lead to these types of injuries in the lower abdominal region.

what causes sports hernias? 

A sports hernia is not technically a hernia, which is why the medical community prefers the term “athletic pubalgia.” While a hernia involves the protrusion of tissue or an organ through an abnormal opening in the body, a sports hernia does not involve any such bulging. Instead, it refers to inflammation or lesions at the muscle attachments on the pelvis, often due to imbalances in strength or flexibility. The affected muscles typically include the transverse abdominus, one of the core muscle groups, and parts of the adductor group, a large muscle group on the inner thigh. For the purposes of this article, we will continue to refer to the condition as a sports hernia.

There are five key signs of a sports hernia:

1. Tenderness at the front of the pelvis
2. Pain during an abdominal crunch
3. Groin pain
4. Pain when squeezing the thighs together
5. Pain during sprinting or cutting movements

Sports hernias are more common in males than females and can worsen over time if left untreated. Various factors can contribute to sports hernias, including improper lifting techniques, poor breathing patterns, core weakness, and repetitive twisting or bending. While pinpointing the exact cause of a sports hernia can be challenging, you might identify the movements in your sport that trigger the pain. For instance, a pole vaulter with a sports hernia might notice increased pain at the peak of their jump when they engage their core muscles to clear the bar.

how do sports hernias affect movement? 

Since your core and legs are engaged in many movements, a sports hernia can make countless daily activities more challenging. Any activity that involves bracing or engaging the core, such as lifting or twisting, can exacerbate symptoms in the groin area. Additionally, activities that involve bending at the hip or squeezing the thighs may intensify the pain. The range of activities that require these movements is vast and may include running, jumping, cutting, squatting, or even simply walking up and down stairs.

physical therapy and exercises for sports hernia

Sports hernia, also known as ‘Sportsman Hernia’ or ‘Hockey Groin,’ is a prevalent injury among professional footballers, hockey players, and track athletes. The majority of cases, over 90%, develop gradually without a specific cause, though some instances result from a traumatic event, such as being checked from behind during a hockey game or making a sharp turn at high speed while playing. Even fitness enthusiasts and non-athletes can experience this condition.

other defining characteristics:

Chronic groin pain is the most common symptom of a sports hernia, typically affecting one side of the groin. You may also experience groin pain when sneezing or coughing, pressure in the lower abdominal area, and discomfort while doing sit-ups. If these symptoms persist despite adequate rest, it’s crucial to consult a physician promptly.

Rest and physical therapy are essential in managing this condition. A physical therapist may recommend specific exercises to target the injured soft tissues and muscles, creating a personalized treatment plan for a quicker recovery. They might advise against sit-ups or stretching the upper body to prevent painful or aggressive stretching. Some recommended stretches include:

1. Lunge Stretch: Kneel on your right knee and place both hands on the ground between your knees, with your left knee bent at a 90-degree angle. Stretch your hips downward to the floor to stretch your left groin, holding the position for 15 to 25 seconds.
2. Sitting Groin Stretch: Sit on the ground, gripping the soles of your feet with both hands. Pull your heels toward your body, bringing your feet together. Lean your upper body forward until you feel a stretch in your groin.
3. Hip Extension: Lie on your stomach and lift one leg 4 to 5 inches off the floor, keeping it as straight as possible. Hold for at least 30 seconds, then repeat with the other leg.
4. Yogic Side Bends: Sit comfortably in asana (Sukhasana) or stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise both arms straight above your head and tilt to the right, holding the position for 30 seconds.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a sports hernia, though this is relatively uncommon. Most doctors recommend a rest and rehabilitation period of 4-6 weeks before considering surgery.

If you are seeking relief from sport-related injuries or a sports hernia, contact the  physiotherapists at PORTEA for expert care.

how can we help?

With Portea, you’re not just getting physiotherapy at home for Sports Hernia; you’re gaining a partner in your journey to recovery and well-being. We also offer a range of superior healthcare services, including doctor consultations, medical equipment, nursing home care, and dedicated caretakers. Rely on us for top-tier healthcare solutions tailored to your requirements.

faq’s

How can physical therapy help treat a sports hernia?

Physical therapy can strengthen and stabilize the muscles around the injury, reduce pain, and improve flexibility, helping to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.

What are the common symptoms of a sports hernia?

Symptoms include chronic groin pain, pain with certain movements like sprinting or twisting, tenderness in the lower abdomen, and pain when coughing or sneezing.

How long does it take to recover from a sports hernia with physical therapy?

Recovery time varies, but it generally takes 4-6 weeks of consistent physical therapy. Severe cases may require a longer rehabilitation period.

What are some preventative measures to avoid a sports hernia?

Preventative measures include maintaining core strength, proper warm-ups before activities, improving flexibility, and using correct form during sports.

Is surgery necessary for all sports hernia cases?

No, most cases can be managed with rest, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. Surgery is typically considered only if conservative treatments fail.