Core Muscle Injury

A core muscle injury, sometimes referred to as athletic pubalgia or a sports hernia, occurs when there is a strain or tear in the muscles of the lower abdomen or groin. This condition is most seen in athletes who perform sudden changes in direction, rapid acceleration, or forceful twisting movements. Symptoms often include sharp or pulling pain in the groin or lower abdominal region, which may worsen with activities such as running, jumping, or twisting. Pain typically improves with rest but frequently returns once activity is resumed.

Individuals should seek further guidance if pain becomes constantly severe or is accompanied by noticeable swelling, as this may suggest a more significant injury.

Conservative care focuses on managing symptoms while addressing contributing factors through hands-on treatment and targeted exercises to improve core strength, stability, and flexibility. Temporary modification of aggravating activities—particularly sudden or high-intensity movements—is often necessary. Consistent participation in recommended core and mobility exercises plays an important role in recovery. In a small number of cases where symptoms do not improve with conservative care, referral for further medical evaluation may be considered.

Understanding Core Muscle Injury

Lower abdominal and groin pain related to movement and sport

Pain in the lower abdomen or groin that appears during activity—and eases with rest—can be frustrating, especially for people who enjoy staying active. Core muscle injuries, sometimes called athletic pubalgia or sports hernias, are a common source of persistent groin pain in athletes and physically active individuals.

At Trenton Integrative Health Centre, we often see patients who are unsure why their symptoms return every time they try to resume training. Understanding how these injuries develop can help guide a safer and more effective recovery.

What Is a Core Muscle Injury?

A core muscle injury involves strain or tearing of muscles in the lower abdominal wall or groin region. These muscles play a key role in stabilizing the pelvis and transferring force between the upper and lower body during movement.

The condition is most often associated with sports or activities that require:

• Sudden changes in direction
• Explosive acceleration or deceleration
• Forceful twisting or rotational movements

Rather than a single traumatic event, symptoms often develop gradually due to repeated stress on the core muscles.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of a core muscle injury may include:

• Sharp, pulling, or aching pain in the groin or lower abdomen
• Pain that worsens with running, jumping, or twisting
• Discomfort during sport or high-intensity activity
• Relief of pain with rest, followed by recurrence when activity resumes

Symptoms may vary in intensity and can linger if contributing factors are not addressed.

When to Seek Additional Guidance

While many core muscle injuries respond well to conservative care, certain signs should be evaluated further. These include:

• Constant or worsening pain
• Noticeable swelling in the groin or lower abdomen
• Symptoms that do not improve with rest

These features may suggest a more significant injury and should be assessed promptly.

How Core Muscle Injuries Are Typically Managed

Management focuses on reducing strain on injured tissues while restoring strength, flexibility, and control through the core and hips.

Care may include:

• Temporary modification of aggravating activities
• Hands-on approaches to address muscle tension and movement restriction
• Progressive core-strengthening exercises
• Flexibility and mobility work to improve load distribution
• Gradual return to sport-specific movements

Consistency with rehabilitation exercises is essential to support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery timelines vary depending on symptom severity, activity demands, and how long the condition has been present. Many individuals notice gradual improvement as core strength and movement control improve.

In most cases, conservative care is effective. In rare situations where symptoms persist despite appropriate management, referral for further medical evaluation may be recommended.

How TIHC Supports Core and Groin Recovery

At Trenton Integrative Health Centre, care begins with understanding how groin or lower abdominal pain is affecting your activity, work, and overall quality of life. Treatment plans are individualized and may involve one or more members of our collaborative care team, with a focus on restoring strength, improving movement efficiency, and supporting a confident return to activity.

Our evidence-informed, non-invasive approach is designed to address contributing factors and support long-term function.