Optimizing Conservative Management of Groin Pain in Athletes: Insights from a Narrative Review

first_page settings Order Article Reprints Open AccessReview Optimizing Conservative Management of Groin Pain in Athletes: Insights from a Narrative Review by Roberto Tedeschi 1,* [ORCID] , Federica Giorgi 2, Daniela Platano 1,3 [ORCID] , Lisa Berti 1,3 and Danilo Donati 4,5 1 Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy 2 Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, 40126 Bologna, Italy 3 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy 4 Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Policlinico di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy 5 Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Life 2025, 15(3), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030411 Submission received: 28 January 2025 / Revised: 19 February 2025 / Accepted: 5 March 2025 / Published: 6 March 2025 (This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology) Download keyboard_arrow_down Browse Figure Versions Notes Abstract Background: Groin pain is a complex and multifactorial condition commonly observed in athletes, often impairing performance and quality of life. While conservative treatments are the first-line approach, the variability in intervention protocols and inconsistent evidence necessitate a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge. Methods: This narrative review analyzed the available literature on conservative management of groin pain in athletes. A systematic search was conducted across the MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science databases. Studies focusing on pain reduction, functional recovery, return-to-sport outcomes, and prevention strategies were included. Findings were synthesized to evaluate the efficacy of conservative interventions and identify gaps in the evidence. Results: Conservative treatments, particularly active rehabilitation and multimodal therapy, demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing pain (50–80%) and improving function, as measured by tools such as the HAGOS score. Return-to-sport rates ranged from 70% to 90%, depending on intervention type and adherence. Screening tools, including the adductor squeeze test, were effective in predicting and preventing groin injuries. However, variability in methodologies, small sample sizes, and a lack of long-term follow-up limited the generalizability of the findings. Conclusions: Conservative management remains a cornerstone for treating groin pain in athletes, offering effective outcomes for pain reduction, functional recovery, and injury prevention. However, standardized protocols and high-quality research are needed to enhance clinical guidance and optimize patient outcomes.