The inguinal ligament is a sturdy fibrous band that sustains the groin area and partitions the intestines from extruding into the groin. A damaged inguinal ligament is a strain, generally it happens to athletic individuals that practice:
- cross-country skiing, fencing, handball, high-jumping and hurdling, ice hockey, and soccer
Initial therapy. Rehabbing a strained inguinal is circumstantial on the severity of damage. The first two days, ice the iguinal area and mildly condition it. A compression wrap is supplemental. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) sometimes are given for pain and swelling. Mild workouts like stationary bicycle with the seat positioned as low as possible, also with resistance conservatively maintained is suggestible (it should be bearable). Lastly, the following stretches should be done up to 30 seconds each rep, five times daily:
- lunge stretch, sit-and-reach stretch, sitting groin stretch, static groin stretch, supine groin stretch, and wall stretch
Transitional therapy. After the first two days transpires, start moist heat therapy. Also recommendable is ultrasound therapy. NSAIDs should only be extended if prescribed. The antecedent groin stretches should be complemented with a strengthening agenda. Some groin enhancement workouts are:
- abduction (pull the leg opposite from the midpoint of the body) and adduction (draw the leg to the midpoint of the body)
- ball squeeze
- front step-ups
- hip flexion
- hip internal/external rotation
- slide board
- straight-leg raises prone
- supine
A compression wrap should be used when working-out. Do these workouts once every two days to recuperate between conditioning.
Culminating therapy. The culminating stage of rehab begins after a week. Maintain the transitional workouts and intensify the number of reps and sets in strengthening workouts. Do functional workouts (they should be engaged without pain) like:
- backward running, bounding drills and sprinting exercises, high-knee running, horizontal leaps, and vertical leaps
When both sides of the groin are balanced in strength and there’s no discomfort then restart a routine active lifestyle.
