If you’ve got a dull ache in the groin area that flares up when you run, cut, or kick, compression shorts might be worth a try. The catch: the evidence is specific to athletes with groin pain, not all hip-pain diagnoses. Here’s what the research actually shows, who it applies to, and when to skip the shorts and see a doctor instead.
What The Research On Compression Shorts And Hip Pain Found
The best direct evidence comes from a 2019 double-blinded randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Researchers studied male football players with ongoing groin complaints—a common source of pain around the hip. Players wore either zoned high-compression shorts or non-zoned low-compression shorts during agility and sprint tests.
Players also reported clinically significant improvement in symptom and sport/recreation scores on the HAGOS questionnaire—a validated tool for groin and hip pain—while wearing them. The authors concluded these shorts could be useful for reducing groin pain during football activities.
The low-compression version? It had little or no effect. That distinction matters.
Do Compression Shorts Work For All Types Of Hip Pain?
No. The evidence applies to athletes with groin-related pain, not the general population or every hip condition.
That said, interest in the concept is growing. A clinical trial is currently underway examining dynamic Lycra garments for hip dysplasia, and separate research on directional compression shorts found reduced hip adductor activity. That suggests they may help athletes who need to lower demand on the hip adductors during return to activity.
A broader review of compression garments notes the performance and physiological effects are often small. Real-world benefits may come down to comfort, support, or pain reduction rather than measurable biomechanical change. For some people, that’s enough.
Who Should Be Cautious About Using Compression Shorts
Results from the main trial may not transfer to older adults, women, sedentary individuals, or people with non-sport hip pain. The study group was specifically male football players with ongoing groin complaints.
Fit matters more than most people think. Compression should never be so tight that it causes pain, numbness, tingling, skin indentations, or worsened symptoms. A garment that’s too snug works against you. Manufacturer guidance typically suggests wearing compression next to the skin during daytime activity, not during sleep—though this varies by product.
See a doctor instead of reaching for shorts if your hip pain is severe, came on suddenly, followed trauma, or comes with fever or an inability to bear weight. Persistent pain despite rest also warrants medical evaluation. Compression shorts are a comfort tool, not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment.
Choosing Compression Shorts: What To Look For
If you’re an athlete with groin pain and want to try compression, prioritize zoned high compression over generic low-compression garments. Look for shorts with targeted support panels around the groin and hip adductor area—that’s where the evidence points.
Start with a trial during training before wearing them for competition. Pay attention to whether pain actually decreases. If you don’t notice a difference within a few sessions, they’re probably not helping. If you do notice relief, they’re a low-risk addition to your kit. For a rundown of tested options, our roundup of the best compression shorts for hip pain compares features and compression zones side by side.
References & Sources
- Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.
- PubMed / National Library of Medicine. Study record: compression shorts and groin pain in athletes. Indexed abstract of the same trial for independent verification.
- Erasmus University Repository. Research on directional compression and hip adductor activity. Background evidence on compression’s effect on muscle demand.