Gilmore's Groin

[ambax62]

I suffered very similar symptoms to yourself back in 1995. Couldn't kick a football more than 15 metres. Problems with my gait.... I spent several months seeing specialist within NHS and had 2 MRI scans. Several course of physio and sports massage later...over a number of months and have to say any benefit was short lived. Ultimately I paid for surgery by Oliver Gilmore.... I have to say it was money well spent. Took me about 3 months to get back to total fitness but played football for at least another 6 seasons before old age finally caught up. Have also been playing squash and cricket since. Regretablly I think I have just suffered similar injury on my right side. Was hoping that someone in the NHS would now accept this injury and diagnosis. Would welcome comments from anyone who has found anyone on the NHS willing to carry out surgery. I wish you well with your treatment please let me know if it is successful. Andy

[Nick]

Hi Andy,

I'll be honest, reading your post was a little depressing! But only because I am convincing myself that I can overcome this with the correct phsyio. My symptoms have certainly eased off considerably in the past 3 weeks but I'm beginning to think this is more to do with rest than the exercises I am performing and that the problem will resurface as soon as I play football again.

On the other hand, the people I am seeing have successfully rehabilitated another chap with the same problem (but more severe) after only 7 months physio... no surgery at all. So there is hope.

I am finding that if I do antagonise the problem and get pain, that the pain will subside pretty quickly (normally overnight) rather than hanging about for 48hrs like it used to.

At the moment, I can only trust what they tell me and put faith in their experience. I continue to perform the exercises as often as possible. I have written off the rest of this season, with the aim of getting fit for next season at the earliest. That gives me a good 5 months of rest/rehab.

I'll keep this updated with any news as my treatment continues.

[Nick]

I'm going for an MRI scan on Monday, after getting it booked privately. I'm hoping the scan shows something so that treatment can be directed at it.

I've done an awful lot of research on the web into OP and it's amazing how many people are suffering from it and the various suggested treatments. I even saw one place recommending a heavy weight lifting regime, centred on the quads/adductors. It said to continue to exercise through the pain as that's what will heal it. With advice like that, it's no wonder people aren't getting better.

The general consensus appears to be that it is a problem which will heal itself over time, with total rest. However a programme of strengthening the muscles used to stabilise the pelvis and correcting any postural abnormalities could help it to heal quicker and would help to prevent a recurrence.

I am currently performing the following programme on a daily basis (twice a day if I get time):

-Warmup/Stretching of Hamstrings, Rectus Femoris & Hip Flexors
-Horse Stance Vertical 3x15
-Bridging 3x15
-Clam 3x15
-Lying Leg Lift 3x15
-Face Down Glute Raise 3x15

On less painful days I will also add in some adductor strengthening and gentle abdominal exercises.

The important factor is not to perform the exercise, but to perform it correctly. I think there are too many people on the net looking for a quick fix and just copying other people's programmes without having the movements explained correctly to them.

Unfortunately, this is an injury/condition which will take months rather than weeks to repair. I have written off playing football until at least September and will only go back when I am completely fit. In the meantime I've taken up coaching a local youth side which I hope will keep my interest in the game and give me an incentive and focus to keep doing the exercises and get back fit as soon as my body will allow.

The result from the scan should be available by the end of next week so I will report back then.

[markos]

Nick

Any updates on your situation? I have had a painful groin for 10 months and am undergoing physio (on my 3rd physio) but I feel a very long way away from being able to play football again, or even jog.

An update would be really appreciated.

Markos