New from Active Sports Therapy
A sports hernia is not actually a hernia.
Groin strains and so called sports hernias are often confused, but the rehab process depends on the exact tissue involved.
Diagnosis first, progression second, performance last. That order matters.
As our practice neighbor and excellent general surgeon Loucinda Dampier M.D. says, a true hernia means there is a hole. With a sports hernia, that is not what is happening. It is a misnamed condition that usually involves injury to the soft tissue or tendon in the groin region. Sometimes it is a true groin strain. Sometimes it is deeper abdominal wall involvement. The difference changes how we treat it.
Early on, we restore motion around the irritated tissue. Then we gradually reload the injured tendon or muscle to rebuild strength. Once that foundation is solid, we progress to dynamic, explosive movements that close the gap between rehab and sport.
This time of year, soccer ramps up fast. After the miserable ice storm we just had (shout out to Nashville Electric Service for keeping our office powered here in Hendersonville) delays or unexpected time off, coaches assume athletes are fresh. But if resiliency was not built during that downtime, that first week of hard practices can easily trigger tendon pain or muscle strain.
Expert diagnosis and structured progression are your best allies in staying on the field.
Hope your kickoff week is going well. And if you are headed to watch Nashville Soccer Club this Saturday or Tuesday as they continue their CONCACAF run after a 2 to 0 win over Ottawa, enjoy it. Just make sure your body is ready when your season starts, too.
Sports Hernia and Groin Strain Rehab in Hendersonville, TN
Sports hernia and groin strains require precise diagnosis and a clear rehab plan. Active Sports Therapy offers the premier chiropractic and rehabilitation therapy services in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and the Nashville area. We help athletes recover, rebuild strength, and return to play.
What this topic means
A sports hernia is not actually a hernia. First, a true hernia means there is a hole in the abdominal wall. Next, what people call a sports hernia usually involves soft tissue or tendon irritation in the groin or lower abdominal region. However, some cases are simple groin strains while others are deeper abdominal wall or tendon problems. As a result, the rehab process depends on which tissues are involved. Diagnosis first, progression second, and performance last. That order matters for safe, effective recovery.
Why this matters for patients in Hendersonville or Nashville
This matters here because sports and practices ramp up quickly. For example, after unexpected downtime from weather or injury, coaches may expect athletes to be ready. However, resiliency built during rest is not automatic. As a result, the first hard week of practice can trigger tendon pain or muscle strain. Local athletes need smart care from the best chiropractic care Hendersonville TN and best rehabilitation therapy Hendersonville TN to prevent setbacks. Whether you search for a “chiropractor near me” or need sports rehab Nashville TN, early and accurate care reduces time away from sport and improves long-term performance and wellness.
How our team evaluates and treats this issue
First, we take a detailed history to learn the mechanism of injury and symptom pattern. Next, we perform movement testing, strength checks, and targeted palpation to find the irritated tissue. If needed, we coordinate imaging or a surgical consult. For example, our practice neighbor Loucinda Dampier M.D. helps when a true hernia is suspected. Then, we design a phased rehab plan.
Early treatment focuses on restoring motion around the irritated area. We use gentle joint and soft-tissue techniques to reduce guarding. Next, we begin controlled loading to rebuild tendon and muscle strength. We progress from isometrics to concentric and eccentric strengthening. Finally, we add dynamic and sport-specific drills to close the gap between rehab and sport. Our approach prioritizes safe progression, movement quality, and performance outcomes for sustainable injury recovery.
Advanced tools or methods we use in the clinic
We combine hands-on care with evidence-based tools. For example, we use instrument-assisted soft tissue work to improve mobility and reduce scar adhesion. We use progressive loading protocols for tendons and muscles. In some cases, shockwave therapy or dry needling speeds recovery and pain control. We also use video analysis to refine movement patterns and reduce re-injury risk. These methods support sports rehab Nashville TN goals and help patients return with confidence.
Examples or real stories from patient care
A local high school soccer player came in after a week of hard practices following ice and weather-related downtime. First, the athlete complained of deep groin pain with cutting and sprinting. Next, our evaluation showed tendon irritation rather than a true hernia. We restored hip and pelvic motion in early sessions. Then, we progressed to tendon loading and hip strength work. Finally, we added sprint drills and cutting practice with monitoring. The athlete returned to full play within a structured timeline and reported better performance and less fear of re-injury.
Long-term strategies for prevention and recovery
Long-term success focuses on strength, mobility, and gradual exposure to sport demands. First, keep hip and core strength balanced to offload the groin. Next, maintain flexible but stable hips and pelvis for efficient movement. Also, plan gradual return-to-play progressions with load management. Communicate with coaches about training volume after breaks. Finally, include regular performance-focused checks to catch small issues before they become bigger problems. These strategies support injury recovery and overall wellness.
If you are dealing with sports hernia and groin injuries, the best chiropractic and rehabilitation therapy team in Hendersonville TN is ready to help you recover and return to full strength.
Make sure to watch this video for a closer look at how our team helps patients overcome sports hernia and groin injuries and move with confidence again.
For more videos and helpful movement tips, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Active Sports Therapy.
#HendersonvilleTN #SportsRehab #GroinInjury #SoccerTraining