Pelvis > Sports Hernia

What is a Sports Hernia?

Sports hernia is the term used to describe an injury to the groin that occurs most commonly among hockey and soccer players. It may be related to the bent-over posture used by athletes in both sports: the hockey player when he is facing off or taking a shot, or the soccer player when he is kicking the ball. A sports hernia is different from a true hernia, which is an abnormal opening in the abdominal wall that allows part of the intestine to protrude. A sports hernia is a pulled groin muscle that worsens over time and affects the abdominal wall.

Hockey and soccer players are among those who have the highest incidence of sports hernia. Players in both these sports have a higher rate of groin pulls, and both players bend over frequently.

If the injury does not respond to a conservative treatment of physical therapy and anti-inflammatories, surgery may be recommended. Usually this does not uncover a huge defect in the abdominal wall, but instead shows some tears in the fibers. Most people respond well to this procedure.

Medical Evaluation

There are usually three parts to a medical evaluation: medical history, a physical examination, and tests that your doctor may order.

Your physician likely will ask about your activities, which may have caused your hernia. You will probably be asked when the soreness or pain began. If you have had any prior hernias, your physician will ask about the treatments you have tried in the past. Physicians also typically ask about other conditions, such as diabetes and allergies, and medications currently being taken. You may also be asked about your physical and athletic goals – information that will help decide what treatment might be best for you in achieving those goals.

Your physician will probably feel around the area, checking to see where the pain is originating and to help determine the extent of your pain.

A CT scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be used to see the extent of the hernia.

A rehabilitation program including stretching and strengthening of the groin and lower abdomen is recommended.

It has been suggested that sport-specific training, especially in the offseason, will help prevent this injury. Riding a bicycle and running are good for the heart, but they cannot duplicate the activity of a soccer-style kick, or a skate stride. Although extensive work in the weight room combined with aerobic training from running or cycling is very important, if there are certain motions or actions that are specific to a particular sport, then offseason training should include those activities. In recent years, physical therapists have developed something called ballistic training. For example, one exercise might involve squatting down and then jumping as fast and as high as possible. That kind of ballistic action works on some of the muscles needed to reduce the likelihood of sports hernia.