Osteitis pubis recovery: how compression shorts help you return to sport

Osteitis pubis (often called OP) is one of the most frustrating injuries in sport. It builds up gradually, it hurts with exactly the movements your sport needs (kicking, sprinting, twisting and changing direction), and recovery can take months. It is common in AFL, soccer, rugby, hockey and running, and it affects women as well as men.

This guide explains what osteitis pubis is, how recovery usually works, what the research says about compression shorts for groin pain, and how to use them through rehab and back to sport. It is general information, so please get a proper diagnosis and rehab plan from your physio or sports doctor.

What is osteitis pubis?

Osteitis pubis is an overload injury of the pubic symphysis, the joint at the front of the pelvis where the two pubic bones meet, and the bone and tendon attachments around it. Repeated kicking, sprinting and twisting puts shearing forces through the joint. When the load is more than the area can handle, often because of tight hips, weak core and adductor muscles, or a sudden jump in training, the bone and surrounding tissue become irritated and painful.

For a deeper explanation of causes and diagnosis, read what is osteitis pubis?

What are the symptoms of osteitis pubis?

• Pain at the front of the pelvis, over the pubic bone, often spreading into the groin, inner thigh or lower abdomen.
• Pain that is worse with kicking, sprinting, changing direction, sit-ups or getting out of a car.
• Pain that eases with rest but returns with activity, and gradually starts earlier in each session.
• Stiffness or pain the morning after training or a game.

Osteitis pubis can feel like a groin strain, a hernia or a hip problem. If you have groin pain that isn't settling, see a physio or sports doctor. Our guide to groin strain explains the difference.

How is osteitis pubis treated?

Treatment is almost always conservative and is usually led by a physio. A typical rehab plan moves through stages:

1. Settle the pain. Reduce or stop the aggravating activities (kicking, sprinting and change of direction) while keeping fit with pain-free exercise such as cycling or swimming.
2. Restore movement and control. Work on hip mobility and on deep core, glute and pelvic stability.
3. Build strength. Progressive adductor and abdominal strengthening, such as the Copenhagen adductor programme, under your physio's guidance.
4. Return to running. Straight-line running first, then speed, then change of direction.
5. Return to sport. Kicking and full training are reintroduced gradually before you play again.

How long does osteitis pubis take to recover?

It depends on how severe the injury is, how long you played through it, and how well rehab goes. Many athletes are back within about three months with a structured programme, but some take longer, especially when symptoms were ignored for a long time. Rushing back is the most common reason OP flares up again.

Do compression shorts help osteitis pubis?

Compression shorts are widely used by physios and athletes as part of OP and groin pain management, and the research is encouraging.

• A 2019 double-blinded randomised controlled trial in Physical Therapy in Sport tested shorts in 34 male football players with groin pain. Zoned high-compression shorts reduced pain during an agility test and a maximum shooting test compared with normal sports clothes, without reducing performance. Players also reported clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms and sport function during football. Non-zoned, low-compression shorts had little or no effect.
• An earlier case series of 11 athletes with osteitis pubis found that compression shorts significantly reduced pain during exercise.

The takeaway: compression shorts are not a cure on their own, but well-designed, firm, zoned compression can reduce groin pain during activity, which helps you keep training and progress your rehab.

What should I look for in compression shorts for osteitis pubis?

• Firm, zoned compression around the pelvis, groin and hips, not just general tightness. The research above found zoning and compression level mattered.
• Pelvic support. Supacore's patented CORETECH® waistband has a sacroiliac (SI) belt knitted in to stabilise the pelvis and activate the core.
• A waistband that stays put through sprinting and kicking. If yours tends to roll, choose a reinforced waistband.
• Medical-grade construction. CORETECH® garments are registered with the TGA (ARTG 372670), and you may be eligible for a private health fund rebate.

Which Supacore shorts are made for osteitis pubis?

• Lionel CORETECH® shorts: men's groin support compression shorts with 25 mmHg compression, also available with a pocket.
• Lionel Xtra: a reinforced waistband for players whose shorts roll down.
• Women's osteitis pubis and groin shorts: CORETECH® shorts cut for women.
• See the full osteitis pubis and groin compression shorts collection.

How should I wear compression shorts during OP rehab?

• Wear them for rehab sessions, running, training and games.
• Keep them on for a few hours after training or games for recovery.
• Once you are back playing, many athletes keep wearing them as part of their injury prevention routine.
• Get the size right: compression is sized by height and weight. Use the men's size chart or women's size guide, and if you are between sizes, choose the smaller size.

How can I stop osteitis pubis coming back?

• Keep doing your strength work. Adductor, glute and core strength exercises shouldn't stop when the pain does. A short maintenance programme two or three times a week is common advice.
• Manage training load. Avoid big jumps in kicking, sprinting or total training volume, especially in pre-season.
• Look after hip mobility. Stiff hips push more load through the pubic symphysis.
• Act early. Groin pain that keeps coming back after sessions is worth getting checked before it becomes a long layoff.
• Keep wearing support. Many athletes keep wearing CORETECH® compression shorts for training and games after recovery.

How do I care for compression shorts?

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, inside out, and line dry in the shade. Don't bleach, tumble dry, iron or use fabric softener.

Need help choosing?

Shipping is free within Australia and internationally on orders of A$199 and over, with free size exchanges and 30-day returns on unworn items (see shipping and returns). Call us on +61 468 072 885 and we'll help you pick the right shorts for your sport and stage of rehab.

Frequently asked questions

How long does osteitis pubis take to heal?

It varies with severity and how long symptoms were present before treatment. Many athletes return to sport within about three months with a structured rehab programme, but some take longer. Your physio or sports doctor will guide your timeline.

Do compression shorts help osteitis pubis?

Research on athletes with groin pain suggests they can help with symptoms. A 2019 double-blinded randomised trial in footballers with groin pain found zoned high-compression shorts reduced pain during agility and shooting tests without reducing performance, while low, non-zoned compression had little effect.

When should I wear compression shorts for osteitis pubis?

Wear them during rehab sessions, training and games, and for a few hours afterwards for recovery. Many athletes keep wearing them as a preventive measure once they are back playing.

What is the difference between osteitis pubis and a groin strain?

A groin strain is a tear of the adductor (inner thigh) muscles. Osteitis pubis is an overload injury of the pubic symphysis joint and surrounding bone. They can feel similar, so a proper diagnosis from a physio or doctor matters.

What size compression shorts should I choose for groin support?

Supacore compression is sized by height and weight. Use the men's size chart or women's size guide, and if you are between sizes, choose the smaller size for firm support.