How long does exercise therapy take to work for sports hernia?

Sports hernia, also called athletic pubalgia, refers to activity-related pain around the lower abdomen, pubic area, or groin without necessarily being a visible lump. Repeated twisting, kicking, sprinting, and sudden direction changes can challenge the abdominal and hip muscles. Therapy may build deep trunk, pelvic, hip, and inner-thigh strength, then add controlled running and sport movements. Pain during a sit-up or resisted adduction can help guide assessment but does not identify the cause by itself.

Temporarily reduce the drills that reproduce groin pain, while maintaining comfortable fitness activities approved by your clinician. Perform exercises with steady breathing and controlled alignment; increase resistance, speed, and change-of-direction demands separately. Check symptoms during activity and later that day. Persistent groin pain should prompt a reassessment rather than repeated stretching or harder training. See [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/) for general information.

Seek clinical review if pain is not settling, returns whenever training resumes, or limits walking, coughing, or sleep. A new groin bulge, severe abdominal or testicular pain, vomiting, fever, or inability to bear weight needs prompt medical assessment. Sudden severe pain after an injury should be assessed before continuing rehabilitation.

Which structure is most likely causing my groin pain? Which low-impact activities can maintain fitness? What strength and movement checks should I pass before sprinting or changing direction?