How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Sports-Related Groin Injuries in Men and Women
- Bailee Burningham
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 12
When you think of groin injuries, pelvic floor physical therapy might not immediately come to mind. However, it’s one of the most effective ways to address and prevent sports-related groin pain for both men and women. Whether you’re a soccer player sprinting down the field or a trail runner navigating uneven terrain, understanding and treating the pelvic floor can significantly speed up recovery and prevent future injuries.
Understanding the Connection Between Groin Injuries and the Pelvic Floor
Groin injuries typically occur when the muscles and tendons in your inner thigh become strained or torn. However, what many athletes and active individuals overlook is the crucial role the pelvic floor muscles play in supporting these movements. Your pelvic floor muscles form the foundation of your core strength, stability, and overall balance. Weakness or dysfunction here can lead to compensations and increased strain in surrounding areas, particularly the groin.
Common Sports-Related Groin Injuries
Groin injuries can range from mild strains to severe tears. Common scenarios include:
Soccer Player's Groin Pull:
Imagine a soccer player rapidly changing direction to chase a ball. A sudden stretch or contraction can overstress the muscles, causing pain, weakness, and limited mobility.
Trail Runner's Pubic Bone Pain:
Trail runners often deal with uneven surfaces that challenge their stability. Repeated impacts and muscular imbalances can cause irritation and inflammation around the pubic bone, known as osteitis pubis, leading to chronic discomfort.
In each of these examples, underlying pelvic floor issues could be a contributing factor. Addressing them through specialized pelvic floor therapy can enhance recovery and performance.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps
At Bonneville Pelvic Health, pelvic floor physical therapy includes assessing not just the groin, but the entire pelvic and core region. Therapists evaluate muscle strength, flexibility, coordination, and movement patterns to pinpoint dysfunctions contributing to your injury.
Treatment may involve:
Manual Therapy:
Hands-on techniques to alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing.
Targeted Exercises:
Strengthening weak pelvic floor and core muscles to support the groin area and reduce strain.
Neuromuscular Re-education:
Retraining the body to move efficiently, enhancing overall stability and balance to prevent future injuries.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples
Consider Sarah, a 27-year-old competitive soccer player, who suffered repeated groin pulls despite rest and traditional physiotherapy. At Bonneville Pelvic Health, a thorough pelvic floor assessment revealed significant weakness and imbalances in her core and pelvic muscles. After just six weeks of targeted pelvic floor physical therapy, Sarah was back on the field feeling stronger and more stable than ever, with dramatically reduced risk of re-injury.
Or take Mike, a 34-year-old avid trail runner experiencing persistent pubic bone pain. Despite extensive rest and conventional treatments, his pain kept returning after each run. Pelvic floor therapy revealed muscular imbalances and poor coordination between his pelvic floor and hip stabilizers. With personalized exercises and manual therapy, Mike experienced substantial relief and improved running endurance, allowing him to confidently return to his passion for trail running.
Get Back to Your Best at Bonneville Pelvic Health
If you're struggling with groin pain that just won't resolve, it's time to consider pelvic floor physical therapy. At Bonneville Pelvic Health, our specialized therapists understand the unique needs of athletes and active individuals. Together, we can get you back to the activities you love, feeling stronger, healthier, and more resilient than ever.
Ready to address your groin injury at the source? Contact us today to schedule an assessment and take your first step toward lasting recovery and peak performance.
Written By:
Board-Certified Specialist in Women's Health Physical Therapy
Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner
Owner of Bonneville Pelvic Health
As an expert in pelvic floor rehabilitation, Dr. Bailee Burningham brings extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor disorders. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
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