FROM THE BLOG
Evidence-based articles from our physiotherapy team — covering techniques, equipment, conditions, and recovery.
Muscle Energy Techniques use your own muscle contractions to correct joint positioning, lengthen shortened muscles, and restore range of motion — an active, precise approach.
Myofascial trigger point release addresses the hyperirritable spots within muscle that cause local and referred pain — a precise, effective technique at KINETIKA.
Soft tissue mobilisation targets muscles, fascia, and connective tissue to reduce tension, break down adhesions, and restore tissue mobility — a hands-on approach at KINETIKA.
Joint mobilisation uses controlled, graded movements to restore normal range of motion in stiff or painful joints — a cornerstone of evidence-based physiotherapy at KINETIKA.
Dry Needling Releasing tight muscles and easing pain from the inside out. Dry needling targets trigger points, which are tight and tender spots within muscles that often cause referred pain or limit m
By Jimy Haddad | Physiotherapist at KINETIKA Physiotherapy Dubai You’re running. Or about to kick a ball. Then suddenly — a sharp pain in the groin. You slow down. Stretch. Rest a few days. It feels better… until you train again. And it comes back. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with pubalgia, often called sports hernia or chronic groin pain. Let’s clarify what that really means — and why rest alone rarely fixes it. What Is Pubalgia? Pubalgia is not a single injury. It’s a load-related pain condition affecting the region where: The adductor muscles (inner thigh) The lower abdominal muscles The pubic bone all meet. This area acts like a force transfer station between your trunk and your legs. When the load exceeds what the tissues can tolerate, irritation develops. This is common in: Football players Runners Padel and tennis players Gym athletes Anyone doing repetitive cutting, sprinting, or directional changes Why Does It Happen? The most common reason is imbalance between the core and the adductors. If: The core doesn’t stabilize properly The glutes are underactive The adductors are overloaded Training load increases too quickly The stress concentrates at the pubic attachment. Over time, this creates: Micro-irritation Tendon overload Persistent groin pain It’s not usually a tear. It’s a capacity problem. Common Symptoms Deep groin pain during running or kicking Pain when squeezing the knees together Discomfort during sudden changes of direction Pain when getting out of bed or the car Tenderness over the pubic bone In more advanced cases, even coughing or sneezing can provoke symptoms. Why Rest Alone Doesn’t Solve It Many people stop training for 2–3 weeks. Pain decreases. They return to sport. Pain comes back. Why? Because the underlying issue — load tolerance and muscle coordination — was never addressed. Pubalgia improves with: Progressive strengthening Controlled loading Core–hip integration Gradual return to sport Not complete inactivity. What Should You Actually Do? 1️⃣ Assess Adductor Strength Adductor weakness compared to the opposite side or to body weight is a major risk factor. Isometric adductor strengthening is often the first step. Example: Supine ball squeeze holds Side plank with adductor activation 2️⃣ Improve Core Stability (But Properly) This doesn’t mean random abs exercises. It means: Anti-rotation control Deep abdominal engagement Pelvic stability under load Exercises like: Dead bugs Pallof press Controlled plank variations 3️⃣ Strengthen the Glutes Weak glutes increase stress on the groin. Focus on: Hip extension strength Lateral hip control Single-leg stability 4️⃣ Gradual Return to Running & Kicking Return-to-sport should follow a progression: Pain-free strengthening Controlled jogging Directional drills Speed work Sport-specific movements Skipping steps usually brings the pain back. When Is It Something Else? Not all groin pain is pubalgia. It’s important to rule out: True inguinal hernia Hip joint pathology Labral issues Stress fracture Nerve-related pain A proper clinical assessment makes a big difference. Final Takeaway Pubalgia is not a “tear that needs rest.” It’s usually a load management and muscle coordination issue. With the right strengthening approach, most cases improve significantly — even chronic ones. If groin pain keeps returning every time you try to train, your body is telling you something: It’s not weak. It just needs structured rebuilding.
Book your initial assessment with the Kinetika team today.