Osteitis Pubis
With big-name Bomber, Joe Daniher, out for the season with a chronic case of Osteitis Pubis, I thought I would use the opportunity to dive a little deeper into the condition which affects many athletes from a variety of sports.
BACKGROUND INFO
The Pubic Symphysis is the joint at the front of the pelvis. Attaching to it, you have the tendons of the adductor muscles which act to not only bring the leg towards the midline but also, act to create a compression force across the joint as they distribute load from the actions of the muscles.
WHAT IS OSTEITIS PUBIS?
“Osteitis pubis” refers to inflammation of the pubic symphysis and its direct attachments (that being the tendons of the adductor muscles). It occurs with repetitive action commonly seen in long distance runners, soccer & AFL players and any other sport where there is agility, acceleration and deceleration required.
Osteitis Pubis clinically presents as:
Groin pain directly in the region with potential to radiate along the inner thigh or up into the lower abdomen
Pain in the groin region associated with sport - particularly kicking, changing direction, taking off and slowing down
Pain occurring with walking, climbing stairs or rolling over in bed
THE OSTEOPATHIC APPROACH
As a lot of athletes dread to hear, rest is the common prescription that helps to alleviate symptoms. Moving forward however, it is important consider other approaches which will help to prevent this from becoming a chronic issue. An Osteopathic approach to such may include:
A thorough assessment of the lower limb biomechanics including the foot and ankle, knee & hip joints. This is in addition to ensuring the muscles of the lower limbs are working efficiently: ie. are there particular muscles which are working to compensate for a lack of action of other muscles? Is the tension in the muscles of lower limb conducive to efficient contraction and load distribution through the lower limb and rest of the body?
A strong consideration of lumbo-pelvic biomechanics (ie. the mechanics of the lumbar spine and pelvis). It is absolutely vital to study the strength of the glutes and their potential in-action of stabilising the pelvis WHICH INCLUDES, THE PUBIC SYMPHYSIS JOINT.
Treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms by means of off-loading the pubic symphysis joint through soft tissue release and joint mobilisation direct to the area and indirectly to surrounding regions
Initially, management would also be aimed at offloading the area through specific muscle release techniques and gentle mobilisation strategies. In the longer term, when pain levels have subsided, specific strength exercises would be prescribed in order to target the muscle groups which are potentially contributing to the inflammatory state of the groin region.
If osteitis pubis is something you would like to know more about don’t hesitate to contact the clinic to speak to a practitioner who can give you more understanding. Book in a treatment either online or by calling. Contact details below.
