Gilmore’s Groin: Understanding and Treating the Hidden Cause of Groin Pain
Struggling with groin pain that won’t go away? It could be more than a muscle strain.
Gilmore’s Groin, also known as sportsman’s hernia or athletic pubalgia, is a complex and often misunderstood cause of chronic groin pain, especially in athletes. Unlike a traditional hernia, there’s no visible bulge, which can make diagnosis tricky and frustrating for those affected.
At our physiotherapy clinic, we often see athletes with persistent groin pain that hasn’t responded to rest or standard treatment. Gilmore’s Groin may be the missing diagnosis, and with the right physiotherapy, recovery is absolutely achievable.
What Is Gilmore’s Groin?
Gilmore’s Groin is a soft tissue injury where there is a tear or weakening of the abdominal wall muscles where they attach near the pubic bone, often involving:
The external oblique aponeurosis
The conjoint tendon
And sometimes the inguinal ligament
It commonly affects athletes in sports requiring sudden changes in direction, football, rugby, hurling, and hockey are frequent culprits.
Causes & Risk Factors:
Repetitive twisting, turning, and kicking
Core muscle weakness or imbalance
Poor pelvic and hip stability
Previous groin or abdominal injuries
Inadequate warm-ups or return-to-play protocols
Common Symptoms:
Groin pain during sport, especially twisting or sprinting
Pain with coughing, sneezing, or sit-ups
Tenderness near the pubic bone
Pain that settles with rest but quickly returns with activity
No visible hernia or bulge
Diagnosing Gilmore’s Groin
Diagnosis can be challenging. It typically involves:
A detailed clinical exam
Ruling out adductor strain or hip joint pathology
Possible MRI or ultrasound referral
Collaboration with sports medicine or surgical teams, if needed
Physiotherapy Treatment for Gilmore’s Groin
Physiotherapy is vital both pre- and post-surgery, and in many cases, it can be the primary treatment to avoid surgery altogether.
1. Initial Pain Management
Rest from high-load activities
Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory advice
Gentle core engagement exercises
Manual therapy to release tight adductors or hip flexors
2. Core & Pelvic Stability Training
A weak or poorly coordinated core is a major contributor. Key areas we target:
Transversus abdominis activation
Obliques and lower abdominals
Pelvic floor and diaphragm coordination
Integration of hip stabilisers and glute activation
3. Movement Re-education & Sports-Specific Rehab
Once pain subsides, we build a graded return to sport with:
Dynamic balance and agility work
Multi-directional strength training
Sprint mechanics
Sport-specific drills tailored to your activity
4. Surgical Consideration
If physiotherapy fails after 8–12 weeks, a referral to a sports hernia specialist may be needed. Post-op rehab is essential for full recovery and return to play.
When to See a Physio
If groin pain has lasted longer than 2–3 weeks despite rest, or if it keeps returning when you train, book a physiotherapy assessment. Early intervention can prevent chronic pain and get you back on the pitch sooner.
Final Word from the Physio
Gilmore’s Groin is a complex but treatable condition. A targeted physiotherapy program focusing on core stability, hip control, and sport-specific rehab can make the difference between ongoing pain and a full recovery.
Lesley Lowe leads the Sports Physio Clinic. She has worked with multiple sports clubs over the years including rugby, football, hurling and hockey clubs and she has worked at the Dublin city Marathon.
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