Stretching
Following surgery all athletes should perform stretching exercises of their groin area every day after surgery for several weeks commencing the day after surgery. The stretching exercise can be done when lying in bed, sitting or standing up. Stretching is important as it prevents the groin from tighening up again and prevents the inguinal ligament from re-attaching by healing or scarring during the weeks following surgery. The simple exercises would include bending the knee, bringing the foot up towards to groin and pushing the knee outwards as far as it can go without causing undue pain. Similarly, front lunges and side lunges are important to stretch the groin area which includes the adductor muscle group. It is recommended that 2 – 3 minutes of stretching are done 2 – 3 times a day up to the pain threshold.
Compression
It is very important that light pressure is placed over the operated groin for at least two weeks after the operation. Most patients wear cycling shorts or similar compression-type shorts to prevent swelling in the groin area. If the shorts do not give compression in the crease of the groin additional pressure can be given with a small rolled-up bandage or even a pair of socks placed underneath the shorts or boxer shorts. Compression should continue for at least 2 weeks DAY and NIGHT, and only released when having a shower or bathing. If a small lump or swelling does appear it may be painful and delay recovery by several weeks. The swelling will be caused by a little fluid build up and is nothing to worry about.