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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is a sports hernia?

    Related Topic
    Sports Injuries & Prevention
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  • Timothy Douge

    Exercise Physiologist, Pilates Instructor

    I am a Level 1 Pilates Instructor and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist specialising in chronic disease and lifestyle management. I have experience in managing Diabetes, … View Profile

    The term Hernia describes the protrusion of the intestines through a hole or space in the abdominal muscles. This usually occurs when the intra abdominal pressure increases (like when you hold your breath and block your nose then try to breathe out as hard as you can) which is why hernia's often occur during activities of high exertion such as playing sport or lifting weights but can just as easily occur if you cough to hard. A “sports hernia” does not differ from any other kind of herina except for the fact that it occurred while participating in a sport. The danger of a hernia lies in the risk of the abdominal muscles spasming around the portuding intestinal segment which can then either burst or create a closed off pocket. 

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  • Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    As Timothy noted, a hernia occurs when there is a weakening of the muscles usually in the lower abdominal wall (although can occur in the posterior abdominal wall and the diaphragm).

    When an inguinal hernia occurs there is sufficient weakening of the abdominal wall to allow a pouch, the hernia, to be felt. In the case of a sports hernia, the problem is due to a weakening in the same abdominal wall muscles, but there is no palpable hernia.

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