Sports hernia, or athletic pubalgia, is a challenging injury that causes significant discomfort and hinders athletic performance, especially in high-impact sports. While surgery is sometimes an option, sports physiotherapy in Grande Prairie is often an effective way to address the root cause and facilitate recovery.
Causes and Conditions Behind Sports Hernia
A sports hernia typically occurs due to muscle imbalances and repeated strain on the pelvic region. High-intensity sports like soccer, football, hockey, and tennis are common culprits, as they require explosive movements that put immense stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the groin. It is termed a groin strain hernia.
Key risk factors include:
A sports hernia symptoms typically develop due to several factors, including sudden directional changes, quick pivots in sports like soccer or tennis, and athletes’ overuse of abdominal and thigh muscles. Imbalances in strength between the adductor muscles (inner thigh) and abdominal muscles can further strain the area, while weak core stability increases stress on the pelvic region. Insufficient warm-up or stretching can also make tight muscles and ligaments more prone to injury. Unlike other types of hernias, a location of sports hernia doesn’t cause a visible bulge. Still, the pain can be intense and persistent, often worsening with specific movements like sprinting, kicking, or even getting out of bed. If left untreated, the condition progresses into a severe state, potentially requiring surgery.
Four Essential Physiotherapy Techniques to Manage Sports Hernia
Sports physiotherapy in Grande Prairie helps to tackle the sports hernia effectively through four physiotherapy techniques mentioned below,
1. Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM)
Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) is a hands-on manual therapy designed to target the muscles, tendons, and fascia around the injured area. In the case of sports hernia, this technique is beneficial for athletes because it helps reduce muscle tightness and improves circulation, which is crucial for recovery.
Physiotherapists use precise, rhythmic hand movements to manipulate the tissue, focusing on the groin area where tension often builds up. They apply controlled pressure, working through layers of soft tissue to break down scar tissue, which may have formed around the injury. The process also helps release adhesions and muscle knots, allowing for greater flexibility and mobility. STM helps manage pain and enhances tissue elasticity, reducing re-injury chances—an essential benefit for athletes looking to get back into action.
2. Pelvic Floor Therapy
In pelvic floor therapy for sports hernia, various exercises are critical to strengthening and stabilizing the pelvic muscles, which help support the lower abdomen and pelvis.
- One rare but highly effective exercise is the “deep squat with pelvic lift.” This exercise engages the pelvic floor and works on core and hip stability. Stand with the feet and lower into a deep squat position to perform it. As individuals reach the lowest point, contract the pelvic floor muscles (as in a Kegel) and hold the contraction while maintaining the squat. Slowly rise back up while keeping the contraction. This exercise strengthens the pelvic floor under load, miming the stresses encountered during athletic movements.
- Another exercise is the “frog stretch with pelvic engagement.” Begin by sitting on the floor with the feet together, and knees bent outward in a butterfly position. While holding this stretch, actively engage the pelvic floor muscles by contracting them as if an individual were drawing them inward. Hold for 5–10 seconds, then relax, repeating this for 10–15 repetitions. This exercise enhances flexibility in the groin and hips while targeting the pelvic floor.
- Another underutilized technique is the “side-lying leg lift with pelvic activation.” Lie on the side with the legs stacked, and as the individual lifts the top leg into the air, simultaneously contract the pelvic floor muscles. Hold both the leg and pelvic contraction for a few seconds before lowering. This movement strengthens the pelvic floor while working the outer hip muscles, which is essential for stability in sports requiring lateral movement.
These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor and improve stability. Sports physiotherapy in Grande Prairie helps athletes recover faster and reduces the risk of future sports hernia injuries.
3. Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy, an ancient technique making waves in modern sports physiotherapy, is perfect for athletes with sports hernias. By placing a suction cup on the skin, this technique draws blood to the surface, improving circulation, releasing muscle tightness, and reducing inflammation in the groin area.
When performed by a physiotherapist, the cups create a vacuum that gently lifts and separates skin, fascia, and muscle layers. This suction helps relieve tension in the soft tissues around the hernia, allowing for improved range of motion and faster healing. The blood flow to the injured area accelerates the body’s natural healing process, making it a valuable component of a comprehensive sports hernia therapy recovery plan.
4. Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy utilizes high-energy sound waves to heal the soft tissues. It is particularly effective for sports hernia, where pain can be persistent. During the session, a physiotherapist applies a probe that delivers controlled sound waves to the affected area. These waves promote tissue regeneration by increasing blood flow and breaking down any calcifications forming in the soft tissues. For athletes, shockwave therapy is a game-changer as it speeds up recovery without the need for surgery or invasive procedures. It’s an excellent option for those aiming to return to high-level physical activity with minimal downtime quickly.
Rebuild Strength and Defeat Sports Hernia with Precision Care
While sports hernia can be complex and painful, sports injury physiotherapy in Grande Prairie provides effective, non-invasive treatment. Each method is critical in reducing pain, promoting healing, and preventing recurrence. Don’t let a sports hernia hold an individual back any longer. If your loved ones are searching for a “sports hernia specialist near me,” contact us. GP Pain Physiotherapy in Grande Prairie utilizes these physiotherapy solutions and returns to the sport more muscular than ever!
