lower abdominal pain during sports

[thurstonmoore.livejournal.com]

Hey vaginapagina!
-Here's my situation: I play rugby, and about halfway through every game I get this terrible (and persistent) pain in my pelvic region. It doesn't feel muscular like menstrual cramps- it's more of an ache-y feeling and it can be pretty intense. My theory is that it could be stress on the ligaments holding my uterus in place (my OB/GYN has said that my uterus is not highly mobile, possibly because of Endometriosis) or maybe my pelvic floor muscles being too weak? Rugby is a pretty rough sport, so I'm putting a lot of stress on my whole body, but I try to stay adequately hydrated and in general I'm pretty strong so I'm not sure why this always happens!

-Here's my question: Has anyone else experienced something similar, and if so what did you determine the cause was? What helps? Help!
Thanks :)

Comments

[thebootyfaerie.livejournal.com]

I don't know if this would apply, since I think I have a tilted uterus, but I'll say it anyway.

I used to wrestle, and the sport put a lot of pressure on my hipjoints. Admittedly, I did sprain them at one point, but according to my physical therapist this can happen even without a sprain.

If scar tissue forms on your pelvis, it can start pulling on your joints. It feels remarkably like uterine pain and cramping, at least to me (then again, tilted uterus, so who knows.)

If you've been playing for a while (I played rugby for a bit - what position do you play? As a forward, you're definitely putting a lot of pressure on those hips!), there could be some joint damage there.

I would suggest going to your doctor about it, and try to see a good physical therapist. Get recommendations from other athletes that you know (ask wrestlers if you can find them - we're notoriously picky, and if you ask around, you should be able to find a physical therapist who won't make you stop playing for the duration of treatment, which in my experience is usually 3-5 weeks for scar tissue) For a lot of joint issues, physical therapists are more useful than doctors for long-term treatment. Doctors can give short-term painkillers, but physical therapists can make the scars go away.

If it is a recurrent problem, it may require ART (I honestly don't remember what the acronym stands for. It's a type of regular massage that prevents scar tissue from forming.)

I don't know if this is your problem, but it might be worth getting checked out. Good luck!

[thurstonmoore.livejournal.com]

that's really helpful seeing as my uterus is tilted as well. i'll definitely check this out, thanks :)

yup, i'm a forward; usually i play as a prop, occasionally 8 man. right on for being a wrestler/rugby player btw!