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

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.