When is sports physiotherapy recommended for sports hernia?

Sports hernia, also called athletic pubalgia, describes pain around the groin, pubic area or lower abdominal wall without necessarily being a visible groin bulge. It can worsen with sprinting, twisting, kicking, coughing or resisted abdominal work. Because hip, adductor, abdominal and true hernia problems can overlap, examination is needed before a rehabilitation plan is chosen.

Pause the movements that sharply reproduce symptoms and arrange a clinical assessment. Once serious or different causes have been considered, sports physiotherapy may address hip and trunk movement, adductor capacity, gradual running and controlled changes of direction. Progress should be based on response during and after activity, not on pushing through worsening pain. Explore [Sports Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/sports-physiotherapy/).

Seek prompt medical care for a new groin lump, severe or sudden abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, testicular pain or inability to pass stool or urine. Urgent assessment is also needed for faintness, a rigid abdomen or rapidly worsening symptoms. Persistent pain despite a sensible reduction in training should be reassessed rather than repeatedly self-treated.

Ask whether the symptoms fit athletic pubalgia or another condition, whether imaging is needed, which loads to avoid, and how strength and sport-specific drills should be reintroduced.