Groin pain in athletes: unraveling the mystery

In this introductory module, the terminology, epidemiology, and characteristics of groin pain in athletes is discussed. The need for agreement, and description of, the terminologies decided upon at the Doha Consensus meeting will be highlighted. We will also discuss the incidence, prevalence, burden, and characteristics of groin pain a clinician working with athletes can expect.

Detailing of the patient interview and evidence-based clinical examination of an athlete with groin pain, including categorization according to the Doha agreement is included in this module. Using a case example, we will discuss the considerations of athlete-related psychosocial factors, and the specific findings of the subjective and objective examination that influence our clinical reasoning in terms of diagnosis, measuring impairments, and developing an appropriate and effective management plan.

The management of groin pain can be daunting at times, but in this module, we take the mystery out of it by discussing the current evidence-based management strategies in athletes. A systematic approach based on education, restoration of impairments, sports-specific rehabilitation with careful monitoring of symptoms and load progression will be discussed. The confidence to guide optimal return to sport with reduced risk of recurrence in your athletes with groin pain is achievable!

In this final module the current evidence on the optimal strategies for reducing the risk of groin pain in your athletes is discussed. The different types of injury prevention, current evidence on the aetiology, injury mechanisms and risk factors for groin pain are detailed. The value of screening for secondary prevention, and the benefits of closely monitoring athletes for early signs of groin pain is presented.