Gilmore Groin - Symptoms and Treatments
What is a Gilmore Groin?
Gilmore Groin, Sportsman hernia, athletic pubalgia, and sports hernia all describe a wide variety of complex injuries and strains involving the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of your groin. There really is no consensus of terminology for all of these different conditions as they are difficult to diagnose, and difficult to manage.
A real Gilmore’s groin can be the predisposing factor to a hernia. It occurs in the leg and torso where the abdominal muscles (Internal and External Obliques, and Transversus Abdominus) form the inguinal ligament. There also is a small archway formed by the external obliques where nerves and vessels pass through. Tears in the surrounding muscles cause a widening of this archway leading to the deep core being unsupported. This widening of the archway can lead to internal organs pushing through the weakened area of muscle and tissue.
Many of these injuries come on gradually and get worse over time. They are common in men and in sports where there is stress placed on the groin and pelvic area.This includes and is not limited to twisting and kicking movements in cricket, soccer, football, rugby, and GAA.
Symptoms of a Gilmore Groin can include
Groin pain that is increased by running, sprinting, twisting and turning
Soreness, stiffness, and pain after training
Day after aggravating injury may result in pain when turning or getting out of a car
Coughing and sneezing cause pain
Symptoms of a Hernia can include
Swelling or bulge in the groin and abdomen
Increased pain at the bulge
Pain while lifting or coughing
What Should I do if this sounds like me?
Reach out to your GP who can refer you on to a Sports Injury Professional like a consultant or physiotherapist or a general surgeon for a conclusive diagnosis.
Most Gilmore Groin and hernias do not require surgery but may if conservative physiotherapy treatment fails. Hernias tend to not get better on their own and should be monitored by your GP or a Specialist.
Physiotherapy treatment for Gilmore Groin
Physiotherapy treatment would include core and groin strengthening exercises, as well as stretching your groin, hip flexors, and glute muscles to help relieve pain and symptoms. They can also help you recover after surgery to get you back to your activities again. A chartered physiotherapist can select specific exercises and treatments to your individual situation to help give you the best outcome.
At Ballsbridge Physiotherapy in the heart of Dublin 4, we can help you reduce and recover from your groin pain. Our Chartered Physiotherapists provide expert advice on what type of treatment you need and what other healthcare professionals you may need to see. If any of this sounds like you, and you need some advice on how to return to sports and hobbies you enjoy after groin pain please contact the clinic today by phone (01) 660 6582 or book online.