Sports Hernia
Athletic pubalgia, also known as a core muscle injury or sports hernia, is a painful condition affecting the muscles, tendons, and soft tissues in the lower abdomen and groin.
It primarily occurs at the musculotendinous junctions where the rectus abdominis, adductor longus, and oblique muscles attach to the pubic bone. The condition often results from repetitive stress or imbalances between the strong pull of the hip adductors and the weaker core muscles, leading to excessive tension at the pubic symphysis and surrounding soft tissues. This can cause tears in the rectus abdominis or obliques near their attachment, irritation or microtears in the adductor tendons, and weakening of the inguinal canal floor, contributing to pain but without a true hernia. Unlike a traditional hernia, there is no visible bulge, but the pain can be severe, especially with twisting, sprinting, kicking, or sudden changes in direction. This condition is common in athletes and active individuals due to the high stress placed on the core and pelvic region.
At KNOSIS, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing core muscle injuries. Since these injuries often involve weakness or imbalances between the abdominal and hip muscles, we focus on restoring core and pelvic stability, improving movement mechanics, and gradually reintroducing sport-specific activities. Early treatment includes pain management and targeted strengthening, while later stages focus on progressive loading and dynamic stability training to prevent reinjury. If symptoms persist despite rehabilitation, we collaborate with specialists to explore further options, including advanced imaging or surgical intervention, ensuring a safe return to activity.