Core Muscle Injury, also known as Sports Hernia or Athletic Pubalgia, is a specific type of injury often encountered in the realm of professional sports.
This injury typically arises due to various factors, including repetitive stress on the core muscles, explosive movements that involve trunk rotation, or hip issues affecting biomechanics.
Anatomically, the rectus abdominal muscles (commonly referred to as the “6-pack” muscles) attach to the upper pubic bone, while the adductor muscles of the inner thigh attach to the lower pubic bone. The pubic bone functions as a pivot point, stabilizing the pelvis during physical activities.
Core Muscle Injury can result from repetitive stress, acute trauma, microtearing of the rectus abdominus or adductor muscles, avulsion (where a small piece of bone tears away with the muscle), or inflammation around the pubic bone.
This can manifest as pain in the groin and abdomen area. It’s essential to note that despite the term “sports hernia,” there is no actual hernia involving the protrusion of intestines through the abdominal wall.
Common symptoms associated with Core Muscle Injury include:
- Groin/abdominal pain
- Pain when rolling over in bed
- Pain triggered by coughing or sneezing
- Pain during sports activities, such as running, directional changes, or sprinting
- Pain during core exercises and sit-ups
- Symptoms tend to improve with rest but return upon resuming physical activity
Diagnosing Core Muscle Injury involves a clinical examination by a healthcare professional, during which specific movements are evaluated for symptom provocation.
MRI scans may also be used to assess the injury’s severity. Diagnostic steroid/lidocaine injections, administered by a physician, can help determine if they alleviate your symptoms.
Treatment options for Core Muscle Injury vary based on the injury’s severity, pain level, and its impact on daily function. Some treatment interventions include:
- Physical Therapy: This involves core and glute strengthening exercises to enhance pelvic stability and alignment, stretching/mobility exercises to reduce scar tissue and adhesions, and overall body strengthening while addressing injured muscles safely. Soft tissue mobilization can also help reduce scar tissue and adhesions.
- Dry needling: A technique that involves inserting thin needles into trigger points to alleviate muscle tension and pain.
- Steroid injections: These injections may provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
- Surgical repair: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged muscles and tissues.
If you suspect you have Core Muscle Injury or experience any of the mentioned symptoms, seeking an evaluation by a medical professional is crucial.
Our team has extensive experience in treating this type of injury and can provide the appropriate care tailored to your specific needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for an evaluation.
