Preventing a Sports Hernia

It is always better to prevent a sports hernia or a groin injury rather than try to fix it after it happens, however that is not always the situation. In any case, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself healthy and prevent further damage.

To stabilize your groin and pelvis area, and increase your range of motion, maintain and build your core strength, stability and flexibility to keep your body strong and prevent further injuries. This involves improving the state of your abdominal, pelvic, groin, upper thigh and hip muscles. Light weights or exercise bands are very beneficial for strengthening, and yoga, tai chi, or a daily stretching routine will help to keep your muscles and joints supple (avoid sudden twisting and turning motions).

A regular exercise program that focuses on total body fitness and includes low-impact aerobic activity at least 3 days per week, such as walking, swimming or biking will help to keep you healthy overall and will strengthen your body to prevent against further sports hernia injuries.

Weight loss and/or Weight Maintenance, which involves eating a balanced diet full of protein, complex carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants. This will help support a healthy system and will help you to maintain your weight. If you gain just 10 pounds, your joints must bear from 25 up to 100 pounds extra, which can add unnecessary stress to your body. Limiting your caffeine, alcohol and nicotine consumption will also improve your health.

Choose appropriate equipment and supports for your body type and size

• Groin, pelvis, upper thigh, hip supports to be used as required during activities (bracing/strapping/taping the area for extra support).
• Cushioned shoes that fit your feet and are suitable for your sport (shock absorbing insoles, stabilizing heels, strong shank for twisting).
• Mobility aids (rails, canes or walkers), reaching aids, or bathroom aids to help alleviate symptoms and improve functions.

Avoid doing too much to soon to give your body an opportunity to build up its endurance, and to protect your soft tissue from injury and overuse. This is especially important when participating in a new activity. Gradually increase your participation to prevent overstraining your muscles and joints. Always warm up and cool down your muscles (especially your pelvis and groin muscles) before and after working them, and learn the proper form and techniques for your activity.

If you are suffering from groin pain, listen to your body and decrease, modify and/or avoid any activities or motions that cause pain and irritation (twisting, turning, kicking, lifting, running or walking on uneven terrain). Try to walk on softer surfaces such as cinder or grass, rather than pavement or muddy surfaces if going long distances. If you are required to perform these motions at work or play and cannot avoid them, make sure you take frequent breaks and rest to prevent fatigue and pain. It is important not to rush your recovery to prevent further damage.