A sports hernia involves weakening or tearing in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the lower abdominal and groin area that leads to chronic pain, often caused by repetitive and forceful twisting of your pelvis. Sports hernias are most seen in soccer players due to the dynamic nature of the sport, rapid changes in direction, intense sprinting, and repetitive twisting and turning when kicking. Physical therapy can help athletes manage and recover from a sports hernia, addressing underlying muscular imbalances that contributed to injury through targeted exercise, core strengthening, and manual therapy.

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.