A man is exercising on a Pilates reformer machine while a woman presses on his back, assisting with his workout, clinical pilates for corrective rehab

HIP & GROIN

  • Hamstring strains commonly occur during sprinting, acceleration, kicking, and sporting activities and are among the most frequently reported injuries in running-based sports (Ekstrand et al., 2016). Previous injury, fatigue, reduced eccentric hamstring strength, and inadequate rehabilitation can increase the risk of recurrence (van Dyk et al., 2016). Evidence-based rehabilitation focuses on progressively restoring strength, particularly eccentric strength, improving running capacity, and rebuilding confidence before returning to sport. Research suggests that structured rehabilitation programs incorporating progressive loading and sport-specific exercises can reduce reinjury risk and improve return-to-play outcomes (Sherry & Best, 2004; van der Horst et al., 2015).

  • Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain through the buttock and sometimes into the leg. Symptoms can closely resemble sciatica. Treatment may involve mobility work, strengthening, movement retraining, and reducing irritation around the nerve.

  • Adductor strains, commonly referred to as groin strains, are among the most frequent injuries in running, football, soccer, hockey, and change-of-direction sports. These injuries typically occur when the load placed on the adductor muscles exceeds their capacity, often during sprinting, kicking, cutting, or sudden changes in direction. Symptoms may include pain through the inner thigh or groin, reduced strength, and difficulty with running or sporting activities. Research has identified previous groin injury, reduced adductor strength, and rapid increases in training load as important risk factors for developing adductor-related groin pain (Serner et al., 2015). Rehabilitation typically focuses on restoring strength, improving load tolerance, and gradually progressing back to sport.

  • Pain through the gluteal region can originate from muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, or referral from the lower back. Symptoms are often aggravated by sitting, walking, running, or prolonged activity. A thorough assessment helps determine the underlying source of symptoms and guide appropriate rehabilitation.

  • Gluteal tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of pain on the outside of the hip. It occurs when the gluteal tendons become irritated and less tolerant to load. Treatment commonly involves activity modification, progressive strengthening, and improving hip function to restore long-term capacity.

  • The sacroiliac joints connect the pelvis to the spine and play an important role in transferring force through the body. Irritation of these joints may cause pain through the lower back, buttock, or hip region. Management often focuses on improving movement, strength, and load tolerance.

  • Facet joint sprains involve irritation or injury to the small joints located at the back of the spine, often resulting in localised neck or back pain, stiffness, and discomfort with certain movements. These injuries may occur following sudden twisting, repetitive loading, sporting activities, or trauma. Management typically focuses on reducing pain, restoring mobility, improving strength, and gradually returning to normal activities. Research suggests that lumbar facet joints can be a significant source of spinal pain in some individuals, highlighting the importance of accurate assessment and targeted rehabilitation (Manchikanti et al., 2020).