Sports Hernia in Pittsburgh
Heal Faster and Stronger with Sports Hernia Rehabilitation in Pittsburgh
Is groin pain keeping you from performing at your best? Sports hernias—also known as athletic pubalgia—are common in athletes who make explosive movements, sudden twists, or repetitive directional changes. Unlike a traditional hernia, there’s no visible bulge, which often leads to misdiagnosis and prolonged pain.
At Pittsburgh Performance Physical Therapy, we specialise in uncovering the root cause of your pain through a detailed, one-on-one evaluation. We combine hands-on therapy, targeted strengthening, and sport-specific retraining to help you recover faster, prevent re-injury, and get back to your sport with confidence. We also provide post-hernia repair rehabilitation, helping you safely rebuild strength and mobility after surgery.
A Personalised Approach for Athletes
Sports hernias can affect athletes in football, hockey, soccer, tennis, track, and other high-intensity sports. The pain can limit agility, sprinting, and directional changes—making it hard to train, compete, or even enjoy recreational activities.
At Pittsburgh Performance Physical Therapy, every plan is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Your program may include:
- Comprehensive movement assessment to identify muscle imbalances, weaknesses, or movement patterns contributing to the injury.
- Hands-on manual therapy to reduce pain and restore mobility.
- Progressive strengthening for the core, hips, and pelvic stabilisers.
- Sport-specific drills to ensure you’re ready for the demands of your position.
- Technique retraining to minimise strain and prevent future injuries.
We reassess your progress every visit, adjusting your plan so you can move forward safely and effectively—whether you’re easing back into training or preparing for competition.
Why Choose Sports Hernia Rehabilitation in Pittsburgh?
We go beyond simply relieving pain—we help athletes return to peak performance.
- Faster, More Targeted Recovery
By addressing the exact cause of your pain and replicating sport-specific movements, we speed up the transition from rehab to full play. - Reduced Risk of Re-Injury
We strengthen the muscles that protect the groin and pelvis while correcting movement patterns that can lead to recurring injuries. - Performance Enhancement
Improved strength, stability, and mobility help you not only recover—but perform better than before your injury. - Confidence in Every Play
Knowing your body is ready lets you focus on your game without hesitation or fear.
I’m thankful for Dr Wheeler and the outstanding care given to help restore my shoulder from injuries sustained playing sports. Several years ago I injured my shoulder and thought it would eventually heal, but the strength and range of motion never got better. After meeting and talking with Dr Wheeler I decided it was finally time to take action and after a couple months of treatment and dedication, I felt like myself again. Several months later and my shoulder still feels great. Thank you Dr Wheeler for your charismatic professionalism and services!
I highly recommend Dr. Wheeler.
I began treatment with Dr. Wheeler in mid 2021 for chronic knee pain that started in 2019. I saw five doctors and three physical therapists who were unable to help resolve my problem. I had no diagnosable tear, but I was in enough pain that I gave up playing sports, lifting weights, and running. I avoided any unnecessary walking and I lost confidence in my knee.
Dr. Wheeler had me identify goals for therapy. She did an evaluation to determine what I needed to work on and she developed a plan. I saw steady improvement with each session. When I told her something new was bothering me she took that into consideration and addressed it. I felt that the other PTs I saw focused on the initial complaint and didn’t address related issues during the course of therapy.
After a few months with Dr. Wheeler my knee vastly improved. I play sports multiple times per week. I lift weights. I run every other day. I can walk without restriction. I have full confidence that my knee can do whatever I ask of it. I’m very thankful for Dr. Wheeler’s help and I’ll recommend her to everyone I know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sports hernia the same as a regular hernia?
No. A sports hernia involves a soft tissue tear in the groin area without a visible bulge, and it often requires a different treatment approach than an abdominal hernia.
Do I need surgery for a sports hernia?
Not always. Many athletes recover fully with a structured rehabilitation program that addresses strength, mobility, and sport-specific demands.
Can I keep training through the injury?
It depends on the severity and your sport. We’ll guide you on safe modifications and create a plan that supports healing while maintaining fitness.
Start Your Recovery Today
Don’t let a sports hernia sideline your season. At Pittsburgh Performance Physical Therapy, we’ll help you heal, rebuild strength, and return to your sport with lasting confidence.