Physiotherapy should be part of the treatment for pubalgia, which is characterized by pain in the groin, because it is excellent for eliminating pain and preventing this pain from becoming more intense or frequent, thus improving the individual's quality of life.
Pubalgia is more common in men who practice frequent physical activity or who play football or run sporadically. This is caused by an inflammation in the pubic symphysis region, where the two hip bones are located anteriorly. The main cause of pubalgia is excessive physical activity where there is excessive friction and decreased blood supply between these bones, causing increased tension in this tiny joint and in the nearest tendons.
Basically, the treatment of physiotherapy for pubalgia consists of two phases, where the first consists of reducing local inflammation and consequently pain, and the second of strengthening the muscles to prevent the return of pain and stabilize the joint.
Phase 1:
- Ice in place for 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a dayStretching the muscles of the hamstring, rectofemoral, iliopsoas, adductors, external rotators of the hip and lumbar squareMobilization techniques of the spine and hip (performed by the physiotherapist)
Level 2:
After approximately 3 to 4 days of treatment, when the pain subsides and it is possible to strengthen the muscles of this region, you can add:
- Strengthening the muscles of the legs, back and abdomen. See some examples here. Ride the exercise bike for 30 minutesRunning straight
For the success of the treatment, one must rest, leaving the training, during the treatment period that can take from 3 to 9 months. In some cases, the orthopedist may recommend taking anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain and inflammation, accelerating recovery.
Exercises for pubalgia
These exercises help a lot in the recovery of pubalgia:
- Lying on your back, place a football between your feet and press your feet to press the ball. Each press lasts 30 seconds and is repeated 10 times. Sit-ups in a straight and lateral direction for 5 minutes. Balance exercises on an inclined surface for 5 minutes. Exercises on 1 foot on a sloping board. 1 minute with each leg. Lie on your stomach, place your hands on your head and raise your torso in 5 sets of 10 repetitions. Lie on your stomach and raise your legs to 90ยบ as if they were supported on an imaginary chair. The tip of the foot should point towards your nose and your chin should be tilted downwards, rectifying the cervical spine. Hold this position for 5 minutes daily Lie on your side, bend your upper leg, resting your foot on the floor. Raise the lower leg, without leaving the knee, repeating the movement 10 times.
These are just 2 examples of exercises that should not be performed without personal guidance from a physical therapist.
How to avoid a new pubalgia
To prevent pain from returning after treatment for pubalgia, the muscles involved should be strengthened and stretched. Strengthening the muscles in the inner part of the legs is very important, since one of the possible causes of pubalgia is the increase in strength in the lateral muscles, which are very much required in soccer kicking, for example.
