A groin strain is one of the most common injuries in sports. In particular, they occur in sports that involve sudden changes in direction such as tennis and football. The term describes a strain of the Adductor muscles that are located on the inside of the thigh. The injury usually occurs when the muscle is forcibly stretched beyond its limits and the muscle tissue tears. The onset is usually acute and the location is easy to identify.
The immediate treatment for a groin strain is to reduce the initial internal muscle bleeding and swelling following the RICE protocol – rest, ice, compression and elevation. Early stretching is not recommended with a groin strain. Instead, a gentle and progressive rehabilitation programme with strengthening exercises is advised. Once full range of hip movement is available again, sport-specific running activities can be rehearsed.
If left untreated or poorly rehabilitated, chronic exercise-related groin pain can develop. Osteopathy can help address muscle tightness and weakness in the groin and pelvic stiffness which can contribute to this persistent injury.