Dr. Thomas Mathieu
MD, PhD
PhD earned through years of dedicated scientific research on pubic ligament injuries and their role in athletic pubalgia — one of the few doctorates worldwide in this field
MD, PhD
World-leading expertise in chronic groin pain and athletic pubalgia
Chronic Groin Pain? There Is a Real Solution.
Most chronic groin pain is misdiagnosed as a muscle problem. Dr. Thomas Mathieu discovered the true cause — a tiny but critical ligament injury that standard scans often miss.
He was the first doctor in the world to map this ligament, prove it shows up on MRI, and develop a targeted treatment that actually fixes the root problem — not just the symptoms.
Specializations
Areas of Expertise
What Sets Me Apart
Precision-Guided Injections
I use real-time ultrasound guidance to place the medicine exactly where it needs to go — not nearby, not guessed. Every millimeter matters.
Biological Healing (PRP)
I use the body's own healing factors to repair the damaged ligament rather than just masking pain. It is about fixing the tissue, not hiding it.
Published in top medical journals
Four peer-reviewed studies in respected sports medicine journals that other doctors and researchers now reference worldwide.
First to see this injury on MRI
He developed the scan technique that lets radiologists actually spot this hidden ligament injury for the first time.
The Old Thinking
Doctors focused only on muscles. Patients did endless physiotherapy, took long breaks, and still felt pain. The ligament injury underneath went completely untreated.
His breakthrough: He mapped the exact anatomy of the inferior pubic ligament and proved it can be seen on MRI — giving doctors a way to finally spot the real injury.
Why Pain Keeps Coming Back
A damaged ligament does not heal on its own. Every time you train or compete, the pubic area takes more strain. Over time this overloads nearby muscles and tendons, creating a vicious cycle of recurring pain.
This is why so many athletes suffer for months or years. The root cause — the ligament — is never fixed, so the pain always returns no matter how much muscle rehab you do.
Find the Real Cause
- In-depth physical exam of the pubic area
- Special MRI scan that reveals ligament damage
- Movement and biomechanics assessment
- Dynamic ultrasound to watch the injury in real time
Targeted Treatment
- Ultrasound-guided injection directly at the ligament
- Biological therapies like PRP to stimulate healing
- Precise placement verified by live imaging
- No surgery needed — minimally invasive
Get Back in the Game
- Personalized step-by-step rehab program
- Sport-specific movement training
- Smart load management so you do not re-injure
- Clear benchmarks to know when you are ready to play
MRI Review Service
Expert review of pelvic and groin MRI scans with detailed ligament assessment reports for team medical staff.
Expert Second Opinions
Independent clinical evaluation of complex chronic groin cases, providing clarity on diagnosis and treatment direction.
Specialized Treatment
Ultrasound-guided biological therapies and targeted injection protocols for athletes referred by club medical teams.
Return-to-Play Assessments
Comprehensive functional testing and sport-specific readiness evaluation to safely guide athletes back to competition.
Collaboration with Team Physicians
Direct partnership with club medical staff for case discussions, treatment planning, and ongoing athlete management.
International Athlete Referrals
Streamlined referral pathways for clubs worldwide seeking specialized groin pain expertise for their players.
On-Site Expert Consultation
Dr. Thomas Mathieu is available for on-site assessments, medical advisory services and case reviews for professional sports organizations worldwide.
Athletes from Professional Clubs Have Sought Consultation For
The clubs listed are organizations for which individual athletes have consulted Dr. Thomas Mathieu. Due to medical confidentiality, no individual athlete names are disclosed.
Find the Real Cause
Special MRI and ultrasound exams that finally reveal whether the problem is the hidden ligament or something else.
Treat the Root Injury
Guided injection placed precisely at the damaged ligament to kickstart real healing, not just pain relief.
Rebuild Smart
A step-by-step loading program that retrains your body to move safely while the ligament heals.
Return with Confidence
Sport-specific tests and clear criteria so you know exactly when your body is ready to compete again.
Trusted by the pros: Major League Soccer (MLS) medical staff have referenced his research in their own training materials, helping raise the standard of care for chronic groin pain in professional football.
Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine
Arcuate Pubic Ligament Injury
The first study to identify the hidden ligament behind most chronic groin pain cases — and prove doctors were looking at the wrong structure all along.
Annals of Anatomy
Musculotendinous and Ligamentous Attachments: Systematic Review
A complete anatomical map of every muscle and ligament in the pubic region — the blueprint modern doctors now use to find the real injury.
Annals of Anatomy
New Anatomical Concepts in Pubic-Related Groin Pain
Why traditional rehab keeps failing: new evidence shows exactly which ligament heals incompletely — and why the pain keeps returning months later.
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
Inferior Pubic Ligament Injury: MRI Assessment
The technique that lets radiologists actually spot this hidden injury on MRI for the first time — so no athlete has to suffer undiagnosed again.
International Sports Medicine Award 2021
He was awarded in the Young Researcher category at the International Sports Medicine Leadership Awards in Dubai, recognizing exceptional contributions to the scientific understanding of sports-related injuries. His award-winning research has been cited in medical literature utilized by Major League Soccer (MLS) sports medicine professionals.
Royal Belgian Economic Mission to Australia
Invited to represent Belgian Sports Medicine and Sports Technology during the Royal Belgian Economic Mission to Australia in 2023, showcasing Belgian medical innovation on the international stage.
Senior Reviewer — International Sports Medicine Journals
Senior Reviewer for Hip & Groin Injuries for leading international sports medicine journals, including the American Journal of Sports Medicine. A trusted voice in evaluating cutting-edge sports medicine science.
Invited International Keynote Speaker
Dr. Thomas Mathieu has been invited to share his expertise at leading international sports medicine conferences across the globe.
London
Dubai
Sydney
Melbourne
Davos
Santiago
Buenos Aires
Currently Based
Antwerp, Belgium
Direct Contact
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- Your sport and level
- How long you have had the injury
- Any scans already done (MRI, ultrasound, X-ray)
What to Expect
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