Chronic groin and pubic pain: returning to sport step by step
Pain at the front of the pelvis and in the groin, gradual in onset, aggravated by kicks, sprints and changes of direction.
Why it happens
Football, hockey and pivoting sports, imbalance between abdominals and adductors, rapid increase in load, returning too early.
Coming back in four stages
- 1
Flat walking and light cycling without pain, rest from the movements that trigger the pain.
- 2
Strengthening of the core, adductors and hip prescribed or approved by your physiotherapist, often long.
- 3
Slow running in a straight line, then simple ball drills at low intensity.
- 4
Accelerations, changes of direction and kicks gradually, matches last.
These stages are indicative: the protocol of your doctor, physiotherapist or surgeon always takes priority. Only move to the next stage with their approval.
Movements to postpone
Strengthening exercises
For this injury, strengthening follows the protocol of your doctor, physiotherapist or surgeon. Rehab does not offer exercises in its place.
What your physio will probably work on · Chronic groin and pubic pain
General guidelines to help you understand your rehab and talk it through with your physio. Every protocol is different, especially after surgery: what your clinician says comes first.
- Stage 1 Cut down the movements that trigger the pain (kicking, sprinting, changes of direction) and stay active without pain.
- Stage 2 Strengthen adductors, abdominals and hips, often over several weeks, with regular strength tests.
- Stage 3 Return to straight-line running and simple ball work, increasing speed little by little.
- Stage 4 Bring back accelerations, changes of direction and kicking, with a monitored training load.
Questions to ask your physio or doctor
- Where exactly does the pain come from (adductors, abdominals, hip, pubic bone)?
- Which movements should I stop completely, and which can I keep?
- Which strength test (adductor squeeze) must I pass before kicking again?
- Would a hip assessment be useful in my case?
- How should I spread my sessions to avoid a relapse?
When to stop and see a professional
Pain that gets worse despite rest, night pain, fever or swelling in the groin: see a doctor.
Rehab’s advice
Very slow return. No sprints or kicks at first, and strengthening of the core and adductors under your physiotherapist’s guidance.
What the Rehab plan does for this injury
The plan starts at 25% of your previous training volume and builds up to 75%, with a consolidation week every three weeks. If your discomfort reaches 4 out of 10, it stops and refers you to your doctor or physiotherapist.