05: Groin Pain in the Runner: Insights on FAI, Labral Tears & Pelvic Floor

A 32-year-old female runner and triathlete presents with deep anterior hip and groin pain that worsens with sitting, cycling, and running. Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards (PT), Dr. Sara Raiser (Running Medicine Physician), and sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius dig into a complex but common clinical picture: when hip impingement (FAI), labral irritation, or soft tissue overload may be compounded by pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal shifts, or fueling gaps.The team breaks down differential diagnosis—how to distinguish hip joint pathology from lumbar referral, hip flexor pain, or femoral stress—and explores gait mechanics, breathing patterns, pelvic floor “piston” function, and nutrition’s role in muscle health and recovery. Practical strategies include what to look for in gait analysis, single-leg squat, and functional movement, plus how to modify training.This conversation is built for athletes, coaches, and clinicians alike—anyone navigating stubborn hip pain that doesn’t resolve with rest or generic rehab.Timestamps0:00 – Welcome & why anterior hip pain is often misdiagnosed4:30 – Case intro: 32-year-old runner/triathlete with hip & groin pain8:15 – Red flags: femoral neck stress fracture vs. hip flexor vs. FAI13:00 – Pelvic floor clues & the diaphragm–pelvic floor piston18:45 – Gait mechanics, arm swing, and hidden rotation issues23:30 – Nutrition, hormones & pelvic floor muscle health28:50 – Lever system: managing load while rehabbing hips33:10 – Final takeaways: physician, dietitian, and PT perspectivesThank you to our sponsor, Lever Movement. Use code Casemiles for 20% offBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-running-injury-podcast-formerly-interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at [email protected].