Identification and treatment of groin pain suitable for both the clinician and the regular lay person.
What is it?
- Groin pain usually refers to one of three conditions or a combination of them.
- osteitis pubis (OP)- OP is inflammation and sometimes degeneration of the joint where the pubic bones join.
- inguinal wall hernia- may be an insufficiency or tear in the wall of the lower abdomen in the inguinal/conjoint tendon region
- adductor tendinopathy- irritation and degeneration of the adductor tendons of the groin. It may affect any of a several number of muscles in the area.
What do I look for?
- Pain and tenderness to touch in the pubic, groin, inner thigh or lower abdominal region
- Pain with running, kicking, situps, coughing and/or kicking
- Weakness in the adductor muscles
- Morning pain and stiffness that may improve with activity, then worsesn with cool down
What causes it?
- Over-training or sudden increases/spikes in training load or activity load
- Reduced pelvic control and imbalances of the pelvic muscles
- In children, it may be realted to sudden increases in growth and a high volume of activity\
- Specific or acute injury such as muscle tears etc
When do I see the physio?
- Your therapisy can assess your condition and use a variety of treatment techniques to correct muscle imbalances and settle your symptoms. They will provide you with an appropriate rehabilitation program and a graded return to training.
- A correct diagnosis is imperative to the best outcome.
- Treatment will involve strength work of your hip and pelvic muscles, especially the gluteals. Ask your therapist for specifics.
Bracing and Support
Some supports can help in the management of groin pain, especially on returning to sport;
Do I see my doctor?
- If symptoms persist, your physiotherapist will advise when you need to see your doctor
