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Gilmore's Groin also known as sportman’s hernia is a common injury involving the groin region. Gilmores groin is a chronic muscular groin pain most commonly acquired by athletes whose sport involves a regular kicking action such as soccer or rugby.Physiotherapy treatment is vital if the patient wants to return to high level sport.


Therapist performing passive stretches to the groin musclesAbove: Therapist performing passive stretches to the groin muscles



What causes Gilmores Groin?



Gilmores groin can be caused by an overuse injury although it can occur suddenly. The groin area is highly susceptible to overuse injuries in sports involving kicking such assoccer and rugby.

Gilmores groin is a complex condition due to the many structures surrounding the injury site. The injury occurs in an area called the aponeurosis. This is where all the abdominal muscles, known as the transversus abdominus, internal obliques and the external obliquesall join to form the inguinal ligament.

Nerves and vessels pass through an archway which is located in the external oblique muscle. When a Gilmores groin injury occurs, the external oblique muscle fibres tear causing the archway toincrease in size. More tears in the oblique muscle fibres appear and lift up and away from the inguinal ligament, which leaves the transversus abdominus unsupported.

Conservative treatment is usually undertaken initially, however, in some cases, surgery is required if the patient is unable to returnto pre injury level.


Soft tissue massage of the muscles and connective tissues around the groin by an experienced therapistAbove: Soft tissue massage of the muscles and connective tissues around the groin by an experienced therapist



What symptoms caused by Gilmores Groin can physiotherapy help with?



Physiotherapy treatment can help with the following symptoms arising from a Gilmores Groin injury:
  • Pain around the groin region
  • Decreased strength in muscles
  • Decreased range of movement
  • Decreased function
  • Decreased balance
  • Tightness in certain muscle groups
  • Reduction in sporting performance
If surgery is required then prehabilitation is recommended as this enables the patient to recover quicker following surgery.


How is Gilmores Groin diagnosed?



Gilmores groin is diagnosed following an in-depth subjective and objective assessment carried out by a health professional. If Gilmores groin is suspected, an MRI will be ordered to confirm the findings and also to assess if there is any other damage to surrounding structures which is quite commonly the case


Stretch of the hip and groin muscles by experienced therapistAbove: Stretch of the hip and groin muscles by experienced therapist



Benefits of physiotherapy for Gilmores Groin



Physiotherapy treatment for a Gilmores groin injury enables the patient to gain an excellent level of recovery. The physiotherapy treatment programme will focus on:
  • Restoring strength
  • Restoring range of movement
  • Restoring function
  • Return to sporting activities
If surgery is required, prehabilitation is recommended to allow the patient to have the best possible opportunity at reaching their optimal level of recovery.


What would physiotherapy treatment for Gilmores Groin involve?



Physiotherapy treatment for Gilmores groin focuses on:
  • Core strengthening exercises
  • Groin strengthening exercises
  • Hip stretching exercises
  • Sport specific rehabilitation

Core strengthening exercises



The core muscles act as a stabiliser for the pelvis and trunk. These muscles include the transversus abdominus and multifidus. The transversus abdominus muscle acts like a corset and stabilises the trunk whilst the multifidus muscle stabilises the spine by attaching to the vertebrae.The physiotherapist will teach you how to contract these muscles together to increase the stability of the spinal column. The physiotherapist will then gradually progress the difficulty of exercises you perform whilst maintain this contraction.


Progressive strengthening hip exercises supervised by experienced therapistAbove: Progressive strengthening hip exercises supervised by experienced therapist



Groin strengthening exercises



It is important to strengthen the groin muscles also known as the adductors. The physiotherapist will demonstrate how to target both the long and short adductor muscles making sure the muscle group is strengthened throughout.


Hip stretching exercises



Maintaining flexibility around the hip joint will avoid future injuries and ensure the muscles are functioning effectively. The physiotherapist will demonstrate how to effectively stretch the muscles surrounding the hip and progress when necessary.


Sports specific rehabilitation



The physiotherapist will demonstrate sport specific drills in order for you to gradually build up the strength required for you to return full time to your sport.


How do I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for Gilmores Groin?



If you or someone you know is presenting symptoms of Gilmores groin then you can either email us at ………………………….or call us on ……………….to arrange an appointment with one of our specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists.


Summary



Gilmores groin can be a debilitating injury, especially for sports enthusiasts. The key to recovery is to receive a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. Our musculoskeletal physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio have extensive experience in treating people who have suffered from Gilmores Groin. To make an appointment with Liverpool Physio you can contact us via email at …………………………. or call us on ……………………….


Call us on: 0330 088 7800
Phone: 0330 088 7800
Call us on: 0330 088 7800
Mobile: 0330 088 7800
Email us on: office@physio.co.uk
Contact us by post: Our addresses
 
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