PhysioGuru

Groin pain associated with and aggravated by sporting activity is a common complaint in the athletic population. Resulting pain can be local or diffuse and can arise from one or more musculoskeletal sources including the lumbar spine, hip joint, anterior pelvis, adductor musculo- tendinous unit and lower abdominal wall. There are also a number of non-musculoskeletal presentations such as infection, tumour, gynaecological and digestive conditions that are not associated with sporting activity and should be investigated early if suspected as a potential source of pain. Athletes competing in sports that require running, especially changes in direction whilst running, repetitive kicking and physical contact are at highest risk of experiencing episodes of athletic pain.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type One (CRPS-1), which is characterized by pain, swelling, autonomic and motor disturbances in the absence of a peripheral nerve injury, is a disabling and distressing condition that is difficult to treat effectively. Many treatments have been developed to manage this condition due to the spectrum of symptoms and an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology behind CRPS-1. These treatments include allied health therapies, such as physiotherapy, complementary and alternative medicine, medical, pharmacological and psychological approaches.