Osteitis Pubis Physiotherapy Melbourne
Definition
This is a broad term which means inflammation of the groin region. It can involve one or all of the following: bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. It is an overuse condition that often comes on gradually over weeks to months. People will have pain in one or all of their groin, hip, abdomen or pelvic regions
Who gets it and why do they get it ?
It is most common in athletes of any level who participate in sports involving kicking and change of direction as this places higher levels of load on the groin region than straight line running sports. The most common are Australian rules football and soccer but it can affect athletes of many other sports as well.
The other factor that contributes to the problem is total load and changes in load. Load refers to the frequency, the duration and the intensity of exercise that a person partakes in for each session as well as over each week. If you do too much or you increase your loading levels too fast this is when you can develop osteitis pubis.
Age is also a factor as teenagers are more susceptible to developing it due to the fact that their muscles and skeleton are still maturing, making it more vulnerable to osteitis pubis.
How is it diagnosed?
A thorough history and clinical examination is vital in establishing a diagnosis. Your physiotherapist will use this to determine what structures are involved as this determines what treatment is needed.
Your physiotherapist may order x-rays of your pelvis and hips as a component of your diagnostic work-up if they are indicated from you history and examination.
How do you treat it?
As mentioned above, it is important to determine what structures are involved as this guides treatment.
Treatment can involve
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Strengthening exercises for the gluteal, hip and abdominal muscles , specifically targeted to YOUR deficits
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Focused massage around the hips and groin
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Periods of rest
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Loading exercises for the muscles and tendons in the hip and groin
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Load management and a graduated return to sporting activity.
- By David Heelan, Physiotherapist
To book an appointment to see a Physiotherapist with experience treating Osteitis Pubis, call 03 9498 0205, or simply BOOK ONLINE.