Understand your hip and groin pain.
Groin symptoms during skating, running, kicking or changing direction deserve a clear assessment. The first step is understanding which structures may be involved and whether another cause needs investigation.
Groin pain is a description, not one diagnosis
Athletic groin pain can be associated with the adductors, iliopsoas, inguinal region, pubic region or hip joint. Other causes are possible. More than one presentation can coexist, so history and examination matter.
Discuss a rehabilitation plan
Your assessment explores symptoms, relevant movement and activity demands. The plan can identify which activities to modify, what needs further investigation and how progress will be reviewed. Exercises are selected for your presentation rather than the location of pain alone.
Clarify the label
Terms such as “sports hernia” and “athletic pubalgia” are used inconsistently. Ask what your diagnosis means and whether a true hernia or a non-musculoskeletal cause needs consideration.
Explore related care and education
Questions you might have
Should I stretch every painful groin?
There is no universal stretching prescription for groin pain. An assessment can help determine whether an exercise, a change in training or further investigation is appropriate.
When should I seek urgent care?
Sudden severe testicular pain requires immediate emergency assessment. A painful groin lump with vomiting or severe pain after trauma also needs urgent medical assessment. Do not use an online exercise guide to manage these symptoms.
Sources and further reading
General education only; this does not diagnose an injury or replace an individual assessment. Care and outcomes vary.