COVID-19 ProtocolsLearn More

Covid-19 Safe Environment - CDC Guidelines In Place - Learn MoreBook Release Announcement - The Hernia Solution, 2nd Edition - Click here for more information

Need help? Call us    626.584.6116

Sports Hernia

A sports hernia, medically known as athletic pubalgia, occurs when the lower abdomen muscles are strained to a point where they tear or rip, causing pain in the lower abdomen and groin area. In this type of injury, the pain usually begins slowly, then increases in intensity with time. Sports hernias occur in both professional and recreational athletes. While it is mostly men who sustain sports hernias, women can also incur them.

Even athletes with strong abdominal muscles are subject to sports hernias. This is because they usually do not happen all at once. Rather, they develop gradually through shearing forces created by simultaneous contraction of the abdominal wall and thigh muscles pulling in different directions. This occurs more commonly during side-to-side movements, resulting in small tears or rips in the muscle that exacerbate until they become a more serious problem.

A sports hernia is often confused with and misdiagnosed as a groin strain. A strain will usually heal on its own in two to six weeks, whereas a sports hernia may require surgery. A sports hernia is differentiated from the classic inguinal hernia in that there is no observable hernia bulge.

If you are a professional or recreational athlete who believes (or already knows) you have a sports hernia, who better to advise you on treatment than fifteen-time Ironman finisher and hernia specialist, Dr. David Albin, who has performed 20,000-plus hernia surgeries and has over 30 years experience? Dr. David Albin recently lent his expertise to Triathlete Magazine on the topic of sports hernias to help their readers understand what a hernia is along with symptoms, causes, and prevention. Click here to read the article.

At the Hernia Center of Southern California, Dr. David Albin and his son—Dr. Michael Albin—have treated thousands of high-profile professional athletes, college athletes, and recreational athletes suffering from sports hernias. Our doctors are highly recognized experts in sports hernia repair with the ability to employ all types of advanced open and laparoscopic hernia surgery techniques. This includes the revolutionary and internationally renowned Albin Tension Free Mesh Technique, which is a modernized version of the conventional Tension Free Mesh Technique that was developed by Dr. David Albin himself.

For more information about sports hernias and treatment options, please continue reading the sections provided below, or simply reach out to us online or by telephone today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified hernia physicians.

What Are Common Signs & Symptoms of Sports Hernias?

Sports Hernia Symptoms Southern California

The following signs and symptoms commonly occur with sports hernia patients:

  • Pain or tenderness located over the pubic tubercle
  • Pain or tenderness located over the upper inner thigh muscles
  • Groin pain exacerbated by exercise
  • Ongoing tenderness in the groin

Pain from a sports hernia generally begins slowly with an ache in the lower abdomen and/or groin region. The pain is usually on one side of the abdomen. The pain worsens with sudden movements such as kicking, sprinting, twisting, and high levels of activity.

How Is a Sports Hernia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a sports hernia is determined by the patient’s health history and a physical examination. Tests may be performed to rule out other causes for the groin pain. An MRI can be used to detect a sports hernia, but it’s not always positive. More often, simple methods will tell, such as having the patient perform an activity like sit-ups or a straight leg lift. If the patient’s pain intensifies during these movements, it’s likely a sports hernia is the culprit.

What Are the Treatment Options for a Sports Hernia?

Sports Hernia Surgery Southern California

Rest is the number one treatment for a sports hernia. It is usually partnered with applying an ice pack to the injured area three to four times a day for 20 to 30 minute periods, as well as taking anti-inflammatory medicines such as Motrin® or Aleve®. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for the symptoms to go away. However, the longer you continue participating in the causal activity, the longer it is going to take you to heal.

If the aforementioned treatments do not alleviate the symptoms of a sports hernia, surgery may be needed to repair the weakened abdominal wall. The operation of choice is an inguinal hernia repair. Our hernia surgeons believe that each athlete needs to be treated individually. For example, the sports hernia surgery for a professional linebacker or a weightlifter will differ from the type of hernia surgery for a sprinter or cyclist. Our sports hernia operations take into account the specific needs for each athlete, and are tailored accordingly.

  1. Sports hernias can be treated by three different options. The open hernia operation with mesh is the first preference of Drs. David and Michael Albin. In fact, most hernia specialists throughout the world treat sports hernias using the open technique with mesh placement. The open hernia operation without mesh and the laparoscopic method are acceptable treatments, although they have certain faults.The open procedure performed by Drs. David and Michael Albin allows first a full evaluation, and then a secure repair of the damaged muscles. Hernia surgery is generally performed on our professional athletes while they are awake under local anesthesia so that we are able to pinpoint and correct the precise area of concern. Mesh is used because it has proven to be the strongest repair with the lowest rate of recurrence.
  2. There are three nerves in the inguinal region. With open surgery, the groin nerves are easily seen, evaluated, and treated. They are also examined for signs of inflammation or entrapment. Involved nerves are divided. This leaves a small area of numbness but, most importantly, it eliminates the pain.

    There are three nerves in the inguinal region. With open surgery, the groin nerves are easily seen, evaluated, and treated. They are also examined for signs of inflammation or entrapment. Involved nerves are divided. This leaves a small area of numbness but, most importantly, it eliminates the pain.

  3. Some older surgeons repair hernias the old-fashioned way, without using mesh, because they do not have experience in the more recent mesh placement. The problem is that this non-mesh method—which uses sutures only—isn’t as strong as the mesh repair. Non-mesh is more likely to rupture. At the Hernia Center of Southern California, our doctors have repaired many such recurrences due to the non-mesh technique used by other surgeons. The non-mesh method may work for the athlete involved in a light sport such as tennis, running, or golf. However, if the athlete decides later in life to take up a more demanding sport, such as weightlifting, the non-mesh repair most likely will fail under the pressure of heavy lifting.
  4. The laparoscopic method involves placing a mesh behind the muscles. The nerves cannot be treated during this procedure because they can’t be seen. Our specialists perform laparoscopic hernia surgery at the Hernia Center of Southern California under certain conditions, but not as a treatment for sports hernia.

Adductor longus tendon injuries are typically referred to an orthopedic surgeon. Some patients will obtain relief with an injection of steroids. On occasion, the tendon may need to be surgically repaired.

What Does Recovery from Sports Hernia Surgery Entail?

Every one of our patients receives an individualized rehabilitation program that is catered to their specific needs. Studies have shown that between 65% and 90% of athletes who undergo surgery are able to return to their regular athletic activity within about six weeks.

DISCLAIMER: The following schedules constitute a general return-to-activities for patients who’ve had the Albin Tension Free Mesh technique. Your regimen may be slightly different. After surgery, one of our doctors personally consults with each patient and individually initiates a rehab program depending on the patient’s healing and skill level.

Runners

One day after sports hernia surgery, we recommend walking for one hour per day. After two to three days, this is increased to two hours per day. Once patients are walking without any discomfort, then running is initiated.

Running activities are performed in five minute intervals. Patients can run for 20 to 40 minutes, or four to eight intervals of five minutes each, depending on their comfort or skill level.

A typical return-to-activity regimen will be as follows:

WEEK 1:

  • Light jogging consisting of five minute intervals.
  • Day one: A light jogging interval is performed for only one minute followed by four minutes of walking.
  • Day two: No jogging.
  • Day three: Light jogging interval for two minutes followed by three minutes of walking.
  • Day four: No jogging.
  • Day five: Light jogging interval for three minutes followed by two minutes of walking.
  • Day six: No jogging.
  • Day seven: Light jogging interval for four minutes followed by one minute of walking.
WEEK 2:

  • Moderate jogging.
WEEK 3:

  • Slow run.
WEEK 4:

  • Normal running pace.
WEEK 5:

  • No restrictions. Speed work or hills can be added without restriction.

Swimmers

WEEK 1:

  • Walking
  • Day one: One day after sports hernia surgery, we recommend walking for one hour per day. After two to three days, this is increased to two hours per day.
WEEK 2:

  • Slow swimming (CAUTION! NEVER SWIM ALONE)
  • Day seven: Begin slow swimming with exaggerated strokes that mimic stretches.
  • Day ten (to day 14, depending on your comfort level): Begin slow or recovery-type swimming, gradually increasing up to one hour. Salt water swimming can also begin day ten.
WEEK 3:

  • Begin aerobic swimming and drill work, all at a moderate pace.
WEEK 5:

  • Initiate speed work and swim without restriction.

Cyclists

WEEK 1:

  • Walking and slow, stationary cycling.
  • Day one: One day after surgery, we recommend walking for one hour per day. After two to three days, this is increased to two hours per day.
  • Day three: Begin cycling on a stationary bike. Start at a slow, low-intensity pace for the first week. Begin with no more than 30 minutes the first day. Cycle every day. Gradually increase the time, up to one hour. We prefer use of the stationary bike the first week to avoid falls.
WEEK 2:

  • Bike on a non-stationary bike.
  • For this week we recommend flat terrain. Make your first outdoor bike ride a small loop, such as around the block, in the event you find you’re not quite ready yet. Gradually, as your comfort level improves, you can add more time and distance on the bike.
WEEK 3:

  • Add some hill work.
WEEK 4:

  • Add speed work and cycle without restriction.

Weight Lifters

WEEK 1:

  • Walking and light, minimal tension lifting.
  • Day one: One day after surgery, we recommend walking for one hour per day. After two to three days, this is increased to two hours per day.
  • Day five: Make your first trip to the gym. Use light free weights or machines at minimal tension. This is done to maintain your flexibility. You should not lift over forty pounds the first month. We recommend that you use your personal toning weight as a guide.
WEEK 4:

  • Lift 25% of your toning weight.
WEEK 5:

  • Lift 50% of your toning weight.
WEEK 6:

  • Lift 75% of your toning weight.
WEEK 7:

  • Lift your toning weight.
WEEK 8:

  • Lift without restriction.

Golfers

WEEK 1:

  • Walking and slow return to short game.
  • Day one: One day after surgery, we recommend walking for one hour per day. After two to three days, this is increased to two hours per day.
  • Day three: Begin putting and chipping.
  • Day five: You may be ready for a pitch and putt, or a par 3 course. Restrict yourself to irons greater than number seven. If you want to use the driving range you may do so, but stick to your short game. Favor the higher number irons.
WEEK 2:

  • Start hitting a few of the heavier irons. By week’s end you can increase your use of the lower numbered irons.
WEEK 3:

  • Add the woods. You may be ready for a 9-hole or executive golf course game.
WEEK 4:

  • Play a full 18-hole game without restriction.

Hikers

WEEK 1:

  • Gradual increase in walking
  • Day one: One day after your sports hernia surgery, we recommend walking for one hour per day. After two to three days, this is increased to two hours per day.
  • Day three: Begin hiking on flat terrain. Start with a short, easy hike. You may gradually increase the distance, but be guided by your comfort level. And do not “go the extra mile.”
  • In all initial situations, hike sensibly. Always let someone know where you are going. Bring an ample amount of water. Stay on the trail.
WEEK 2:

  • Begin with short, moderate hikes or long, easy hikes.
WEEK 3:

  • Begin long, moderate hikes.
WEEK 4:

  • Begin strenuous hikes.

Basketball Players

WEEK 1:

  • Walking and shooting hoops.
  • Day one: One day after your sports hernia surgery, we recommend walking for one hour per day. After two to three days, this is increased to two hours per day.
  • Day three: Start shooting hoops by yourself.
WEEK 2:

  • Play a one-on-one game with an easy opponent.
WEEK 3:

  • Play full court, but plan on sitting out most of the game.
WEEK 4:

  • You can play a good portion of the game.
WEEK 5:

  • Pay full court without restriction.

Tennis Players

WEEK 1:

  • Walking and easy volleying
  • Day one: One day after sports hernia surgery, we recommend walking for one hour per day. After two to three days, this is increased to two hours per day.
  • Day five: Start hitting some balls—either against a wall, or play with an opponent who will hit the ball to you. It is not advised that you run after the ball at this time.
WEEK 2:

  • Play an easy doubles game, or a singles game with minimal running.
WEEK 3:

  • Play without restriction.

Sports in General

FOUR WEEKS after hernia surgery: You can typically return to most recreational and athletic activities (except weightlifting), including contact sports. By this time in the recovery process, you’ll likely be able to perform all original activity the same as you did before surgery. If you are still experiencing some discomfort, this is normal. However, if you experience sharp pain at this point in the recovery process, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Drs. David and Michael Albin strongly recommend that all athletes, no matter what the sport, regularly practice exercises which increase flexibility and strengthen pelvic muscles so as to avoid sports hernias altogether. And never jump right into your game or sport; always do a warm-up first.

How Much Does Sports Hernia Surgery Cost?

Sports Hernia Surgery Cost with Insurance

The cost of sports hernia surgery with insurance varies based on the specifics of one’s specific healthcare plan, as well as variabilities in charges at the particular location that care is received. Since our doctors pride themselves on providing the highest-quality care at the best prices, we also offer patients in-network benefits at Huntington Memorial Hospital, California Hospital, and Beverly Hospital.

Our friendly staff will determine if we accept your particular policy. Once authorization is obtained, you will be informed of any copays or deductible limits that must first be reached. We can assist you with a breakdown of out-of-pocket expenses at the various locations.

Sports Hernia Surgery Cost Without Insurance

The average cost of sports hernia surgery without insurance at the Hernia Center of Southern California is $4500. This price includes:

  • Surgeons’ fees – At the Hernia Center of Southern California, operations are performed by TWO U.S.-trained, board-certified hernia specialists: Dr. David Albin and Dr. Michael Albin. Their attention to detail helps to ensure you achieve the best possible result, and it is provided to you at no additional cost.
  • Surgery center fees – Operating room time, all materials (including mesh), and a variety of other expenses associated with the recovery period are included in this aspect of the cost.
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Follow-up visits

To help with the cost of your sports hernia surgery, we will be happy to discuss financing or other payment arrangements.

Feeling pain? Schedule an appointment today.   626.584.6116