Pubalgia

1) WHAT IS PUBALGIA?

By definition, pubalgia refers to pain around the sphere of the pubis. These can extend to the inguinal region, unilaterally or bilaterally.
Although the symptomatology is often mixed, there are therefore two initial types of pubalgia:

Parieto-abdominal pubalgia
Adductor pubalgia

 

 

2) WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND LESION MECHANISMS OF THIS PATHOLOGY?

Sports practice can stress tendon insertions. In the same mechanism as a tendinopathy, this type of injury is linked to an overuse of the structures fitting around the pubis.

By force, the tendon(s) is/are damaged, which leads to pain and a loss of functionality of the musculotendinous complex.

This type of injury is related to overuse of the tendon, resulting in micro tears in it. The body is usually able to repair itself, but as these tears multiply, they cause pain due to inflammation and weakening of the tendon.

By force, the tendon matrix is ​​damaged, resulting in tendinopathy. The causes of triggering are therefore regularly the same:

Overtraining
Sudden change in training volume or intensity
Unsuitable equipment (worn shoes, floor surface too hard, etc.)
Poor motor control and muscle weakness
Bad technique in the sporting gesture

 

3) WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

This type of injury can appear gradually or following a specific event. The intensity of the problem will produce more or less severe symptoms. Among these are:

Localized pain around the pubis, which may radiate to the lower abdomen, the adductors, or even the lower back. They are accentuated with physical effort and diminished at rest.
Muscle tension, which can be felt in the same areas

In more severe cases, this pain may be constant and present even at rest.

 

 

4) IS IT SERIOUS?

Pubalgia is a pathology frequently encountered in athletes. It is usually possible to get rid of it easily during early treatment.

However, it can become problematic and difficult to treat when the irritation and inflammation have been present for a longer time, and the severity is high.

 

5) IS SURGERY AN OPTION?

The surgical procedure remains exceptional and will only be considered in the event of repeated failures of conservative treatments or in the event of complications linked to the absence or poor initial treatment.

 

6) CAN I CONTINUE TRAINING? WHAT REFLEXES SHOULD I TAKE?

This pathology needs to be taken seriously from the start in order to avoid complications and aggravations.

At the onset of the first symptoms, a temporary cessation of activities that cause pain is recommended. These activities can be replaced by others, which unload the area and do not recreate the pain.

Finally, refrain from applying ice and taking anti-inflammatories, as these methods generally interfere with the healing of the strip.

Then, it is the importance of the symptoms and the improvement of the situation that will determine the duration of the relative cessation of the activity.

The best option should be discussed with your doctor and therapist.

 

 

7) HOW DOES THE REHABILITATION TAKE PLACE?

The physiotherapy sessions start by paying attention to the painful symptomatology of the subject. Respecting this, the work will focus on:

The work of joint mobility
Gradual weight bearing, respecting the pain threshold
Global and specific muscle strengthening (strength, neuromuscular control, stability, etc.)
Re-athletics and getting back into sport (with technical work if necessary)

 

8) WILL I RETURN TO MY PRE-INJURY LEVEL?

This pathology, although having a favorable prognosis, needs to be taken seriously from the start.

However, provided you follow the instructions and recommendations provided by your surgeon and your therapist, you will return to a normal sports activity.

 

9) WHAT CAN I DO TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS?

You are the main actor of your rehabilitation.

In order to speed up the healing process, be sure to follow the recommendations of the health professionals with whom you work.

Laziness or, on the contrary, overzealousness, will be your enemies.

Conversely, discipline, rigor, perseverance as well as a positive and voluntary state of mind will help you get back in top shape as soon as possible!

 

We care, u perform.