Association of cetylated fatty acid treatment with physical therapy improves athletic pubalgia symptoms in professional roller hockey players

Abstract

BackgroundAthletic pubalgia (AP), a frequent problem among professional roller hockey players (PRHPs), consists of lower abdominal and groin pain, without the presence of true hernia. AimsWe assessed cetylated fatty acids (CFAs) in association with conservative therapy for treatment of AP in PRHPs. MethodsUltrasound examination was performed before and after treatment. Strength tests were performed and AP-related pain was measured during the treatment period. FindingsNine of 10 enrolled PRHPs completed a 12-week treatment with CFAs in association with conservative therapy, consisting of manual therapy, diathermy or ultrasonography. Initial ultrasound examination showed AP signs in 7 (70%) of 10 PRHPs. After 12 weeks of therapy, these signs could only be detected by ultrasound in 2 (22.2%) of 9 PRHPs. An increase in muscle strength (already after first week of treatment) and a reduction of AP-related pain were also observed during the treatment. ConclusionThe association of CFA treatment with a conservative rehabilitation therapy improves muscle strength and pain and may accelerate recovery from AP.