Everything You Need to Know About Sports Hernia Golf Pain

Sports Hernia Physical Therapy | Written by Jon Chambers | Updated on 27 December 2021

Sports hernia golf pain seen in a man swinging a driver on the greens

Sports hernia golf pain can occur at almost any time, and the associated pain can be terrible enough to force you to stay off the greens—or even perform day-to-day activities.

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In a case report published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, physical therapists were able to treat sports hernia symptoms in a professional golfer using conservative therapy (as opposed to surgery).

The pro golfer experienced sports hernia abdominal pain in the lower part of his abdomen as well as groin pain. He also reported experiencing pain with bed mobility and transferring from a supine position (lying down) to a seated position.

After receiving a successful diagnosis, he completed a rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening his core (the fundamental approach of the 10-week treatment plan).

The golfer’s recovery time was 4 weeks—he completed 13 different physical therapy sessions. While many people will require surgery to fully heal from the injury, the therapists found that a rehab program that included exercises addressing the entire core area allowed the muscular “impairments” to begin healing.

How Sports Hernia Golf Pain Happens

Extreme groin and inguinal ligament pain is seen often in people who are involved in sports that require repetitive twisting, kicking, or cutting. The pain is often enough to end all activity.

The swing of a golf club falls into the twisting category. If your supporting core muscles are weak or inhibited, a forceful swing and twist is all it takes.

It is important to note that in the case study of the pro golfer, only his driver caused him to experience symptoms. His irons and wedges did not give him any pain.

Sports Hernia Golf Symptoms

There are several symptoms associated with the injury:

  • Pain when going from lying down to sitting
  • Pain while moving in bed
  • Sharp, tender, or dull groin pain (or pain that alternates between the three)
  • Groin pain that increases as the day goes on
  • No bulge that you can see or feel

If your symptoms are less severe, your chances of a full recovery without surgery are much higher.

Sports Hernia Golf Treatment

A successful rehab program includes three distinct aspects:

The exercises will restore strength and balance to your core muscles and the surrounding tissues. The stretches will provide increased flexibility and improved form. The mobility movements will promote strength through differing ranges of motion to “wake up” your tight and inhibited muscles and get them to engage.

The 10-week rehabilitation program covers what you should be doing every single day to recover and play golf pain free.

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.