Double Sports Hernia: How It Happens and What to Do

Sports Hernia Physical Therapy | Written by Jon Chambers | Updated on 11 August 2021

A sports hernia is a relatively rare sports injury, though it has grown in popularity in the past few years. It is not the same thing as an inguinal hernia, which is much more common and can be treated relatively easily by a general doctor.

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Instead, it is a posterior inguinal wall deficiency—this means there is a tear in the transversalis fascia: the fibrous tissue behind the inguinal canal.

posterior inguinal wall

Transversalis fascia is where the injury occurs (bottom right)

This tear can be caused by an acute injury. This includes a sharp or sudden twist or kick that led to a distinct “pop” or tear.

It can also develop as an overuse injury. In this case, the muscles of the hip and groin become tight and inhibited. As this happens, the muscles begin to develop unevenly.

Over a long enough time period, this stress on the tissues of the groin causes micro tears to begin developing.

The Double Sports Hernia: How It Develops

It is usually overuse that leads to a double sports hernia. In most cases where this happens, one side was injured first—causing the other side of the body to work hard to compensate. With enough time, this can cause the other side to get injured.

If you think you may suffer from this injury to both sides, it is important that you review the symptoms list for groin pain to make sure it isn’t a less serious injury.

If you find that you have a double sports hernia, the sports hernia treatment plan may work for you. Based on several published case studies, many people have found relief after following the guide.

If you reach week 6 and find that you still haven’t experienced any lasting relief, it may be time to review your options and consider surgery.

About the Author

Squatting 500 pounds on an ohio rogue bar with a sports hernia

Jon Chambers

Jon Chambers is a powerlifter, strength coach, sports hernia expert, and writer involved in the strength training community for almost a decade on a mission to create the best strength and fitness guides on the web.