Short and mid-term results of a comprehensive treatment program for longstanding adductor-related groin pain in athletes: a case series.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short and mid-term results of active physical therapy in athletes with longstanding groin pain. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Primary care physical therapy practice. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 44 athletes suffering longstanding adductor-related groin pain. INTERVENTION A combination of passive (joint mobilization) and active (exercises) physical therapy interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Return to (the same level of) sports, restriction in sports, and recurrence. RESULTS: Directly after treatment, return to the same level and type of sport was successful in 38 athletes (86%), and without symptoms in 34 athletes (77%). At 6.5-51 months follow up, 10/38 (26%) of those that returned to sports had experienced a relapse; 22 (50%) athletes were able to participate in sports without any restrictions at the mid-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: For athletes with longstanding groin pain, short term results of physical therapy seem positive, whereas mid-term results are moderately positive. The risk for recurrence is high.