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

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. 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. 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. 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.