Groin Injuries in Soccer

Author: Matt Couch

Publish Date: Sept 3, 2019

3rd degree sprains in both ankles, 2 torn quads, elbow dislocation and shoulder subluxing. These are the major injuries I have experienced during my time playing soccer as a youth and young adult. It wasn’t until I was an adult playing professional indoor soccer with the San Diego Sockers that I experienced a groin injury. While playing I over extended laterally to receive a pass, causing me to strain my inner thigh and part of my groin. The injury took several weeks to recover and at times I experience residual effects forcing me to limit my play.

When you think of soccer injuries, most of the time you think of ankles and knees, but a recent study has shown that a significant amount of male soccer players suffer from groin injuries. The study took place in Sweden, consisting of 623 male and female participants who played soccer. The control group consisted of 168 participants who answered a questionnaire that addressed age, gender, anthropometry, groin pain history, age of first groin pain, onset of groin pain, and participation in other sports. Results showed males, both in soccer and the control group experienced more goin related injuries than females. Between the two male groups, the soccer player group experienced more groin related injuries than compared to the controlled group participants that participated in other sports. The initial age of groin related injuries for both male and female and soccer player and non-soccer player took place between 19 - 21 years of age. The study identifies male soccer players as being more prone to groin related injuries. The study continues to explain the likelihood of groin related injuries in soccer could be do to the frequent strain put on the adductors. “Muscle injuries often arise during eccentric contraction, frequent in soccer during tackling or running and soccer also includes quick accelerations and decelerations, cutting, pivoting kicking and twisting movements. These facts are probably one reason for the high prevalence found in soccer players.” Other factors could include, “different intensities and with different duration.” Factors differing between male and female could include “higher weight in male than female soccer players leading to an exposure to more intense speed and a higher degree of trauma during an exercise session.”

As a male soccer player and coach this study resonates with me. It highlights a need to incorporate proper injury deterrence exercises for myself and my male athletes to ensure we keep our adductors strong and flexible. Instructing proper body mechanics relating to speed and agility will also be an important component to keeping male soccer players adductors healthy. Studies like these help coaches, trainers and parents better prepare their athletes for the demands of soccer. I recommend incorporating regular adductor exercises into your daily training regime to ensure your players stay healthy and in the game. 

Reference

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9122/9b734f4121535c4772e936783dba14518999.pdf