A sports hernia is an injury that happens when there is a weakening or tear in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the lower abdominal and groin area, causing acute pain and limited movement. A sports hernia typically occurs in sports that require repetitive twisting, turning, or abrupt changes in direction. Physical therapy can help athletes manage and recover from a sports hernia safely, addressing underlying muscular imbalances that contributed to injury through targeted exercise, core strengthening, and manual therapy.

Check out our infographic on physical therapy for a sports hernia. A sports hernia is a soft tissue injury that occurs in the groin, pelvis, or lower abdomen involving a strain or tear in a muscle, tendon, or ligament deep in the abdominal wall. Physical therapists play a critical role in helping an athlete recover from and return to sport safely after a sports hernia through an active rehabilitation program focused on strengthening the hip and abdominal muscles.

Groin pain is often related to a strain or tear of the groin muscles, a complex of muscles that support movement of the hip joint. Groin injury is common in athletes, resulting from quick starts and stops, sudden trauma on the field, and repetitive overuse. Physical therapy can provide effective treatment for groin injuries, reducing pain and gradually improving muscle strength, mobility, and agility through a customized rehabilitation program.