Compromised pelvic floor muscles — which control continence, organ support, and sexual function — appear to contribute significantly to hip and groin pain patterns in competitive athletes. The neuromyofascial network of the pelvic floor serves as a critical stabilizing foundation for the entire kinetic chain, yet dysfunction in this region often goes unrecognized in sports medicine assessments. This connection represents a paradigm shift in understanding athletic injury patterns. Traditional orthopedic approaches focus on hip mechanics, muscle imbalances, or structural abnormalities while overlooking the pelvic floor's role as a deep stabilizer. The finding suggests that addressing core weakness at its deepest level — through targeted pelvic floor rehabilitation — could resolve persistent groin and hip issues that resist conventional treatment. This is particularly relevant for female athletes, who experience higher rates of pelvic floor dysfunction due to anatomical differences and hormonal influences. The research challenges the compartmentalized approach to athletic injury, highlighting how dysfunction in one seemingly unrelated system can manifest as pain elsewhere. For practitioners, this necessitates more comprehensive assessment protocols that evaluate pelvic floor competency alongside traditional biomechanical factors when treating chronic hip and groin complaints in athletes.
Pelvic Floor Weakness Emerges as Hidden Driver of Athletic Injuries
📄 Based on research published in British Journal of Sports Medicine
Read the original research →For informational, non-clinical use. Synthesized analysis of published research — may contain errors. Not medical advice. Consult original sources and your physician.