Sports Hernia
When you need care for hernias caused by playing sports or a living a physically active lifestyle, rely on the sports hernia experts at North Carolina Surgery (formerly REX Surgical Specialists). Benefit from surgical or nonsurgical treatment to help you get back to physical activity.
What is a Sports Hernia?
A sports hernia happens when soft tissue in the groin area strains or tears. You’re most likely to experience this injury if you often change direction suddenly or twist during physical activity. Sports hernias can lead to a traditional, abdominal hernia.
Rehabilitation (Nonsurgical Treatment)
Rely on nonsurgical treatments for your sports hernia. Depending on your injury, your best option may be nonsurgical treatment such as:
- A week of rest
- Ice and heat application
- Physical therapy, including massage, stretching, exercise, and dry needling
- Gentle electrical stimulation
- Anti-inflammatory and other pain-relieving medications
- Injections such as cortisone and PRP (platelet rich plasma)
Sports Hernia Surgery
In some cases, you may need surgery. Surgery for sports hernias generally includes reinforcing the abdominal muscles, similar to the surgery for a conventional hernia. Your surgeon will use one of two methods to surgically repair your hernia and surrounding muscles.
Laparoscopic Sports Hernia Surgery
Your laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedure involves placing a piece of plastic mesh to reinforce the lower abdominal wall. Because minimally invasive treatment uses only small incisions, you will likely recover faster. After surgery, you’ll receive recommendations for a rehabilitation program.
Open Sports Hernia Surgery
The open procedure is a method of using mesh to stabilize where your muscles attach to your pubic bone. With this method, your nerves and tendons are easily seen, evaluated, and treated. You’ll undergo general anesthesia or local anesthesia so you won’t feel pain during your procedure. After surgery, your surgeon will recommend a rehabilitation program.
