Groin Strain Treatment
By Joni Levine
Groin strains are common muscle injuries in the lower limb, typically found in sports involving multidirectional movements (e.g., football, rugby, netball). They account for up to 10% of all injuries in various sports, with men being more likely to sustain a groin strain than women. Thankfully, groin strains can be easily managed with various physiotherapy interventions.
Physiotherapy treatment for groin strains can be divided into the following categories: strength exercises, stretching, massage, advice and education, electrotherapy, and taping. All of these treatments can aid in groin strain recovery and are often used in combination to maximize the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Our physiotherapists at Graceville Physio Pain Slayers will identify which treatments are best for you.
Strength Exercises
Depending on available equipment and the rehabilitation stage, there are several ways to strengthen the groin muscles. Initially, exercises such as placing a ball between your legs and gently squeezing are a good start. As rehabilitation progresses, exercises such as the following are great ways to enhance groin strength and minimize the risk of re-injury:
- Adductor strengthening machines at a gym
- Starting in a “splits” position, bring one foot back towards the other on a slippery surface
- “Copenhagen adductor exercises”
Your physiotherapist will guide you through a strengthening program for your groin muscles and address other muscle groups that may be affected or contribute to the injury (e.g., core and gluteal muscles).
Stretching
The groin comprises five muscles, forming the collective groin muscle group. Several stretches target different muscles, feeling unique for each person. Examples include:
- Standing side lunge
- Butterfly stretch
- Frog stretch
While consensus on stretching parameters varies, generally, 20 to 30-second holds up to three times a day are acceptable. These stretches should feel comfortable, with only mild discomfort. Your physiotherapist will show you the most appropriate stretches for you.
Massage
Massage effectively reduces pain and tension due to groin injuries. Besides massaging the groin muscle, other muscles, such as the hamstrings and quadriceps, can also be massaged to prevent secondary tension. Your physiotherapist will know which muscles to massage and apply the right pressure.
Advice and Education
Advice and education are crucial parts of any physiotherapy treatment plan. For groin injuries, your physiotherapist will cover the following aspects, ensuring you understand everything discussed to speed up your recovery:
- The anatomy of your injury
- Recovery time expectations
- Simple home care tips, such as applying an ice pack
- Activities to avoid during recovery
Electrotherapy
Some patients respond well to electrotherapy, including therapeutic ultrasound and interferential treatment. Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to stimulate muscle healing, while interferential treatment uses electrical impulses via electrodes. Both treatments are generally well tolerated, and your physiotherapist can apply them as needed.
Taping
Some patients benefit from taping the groin muscles. Kinesiotape, a flexible tape that supports the muscle during movement, is commonly used. It can remain on for a few days to reduce muscle strain. Your physiotherapist will apply this tape and advise you when it is no longer necessary.
The information above is a general guide and should not replace individual physiotherapy assessment and treatment. Please get in touch with us if you have groin pain and are looking for an effective management plan to help reduce your pain and return to activity.
References:
Almeida, M.O. et al (2013). Conservative interventions for treating exercise-related musculotendinous, ligamentous and osseous groin pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6):CD009565.
Harøy et al. (2018) The Adductor Strengthening Programme prevents groin problems among male football players: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53, pp.145-52.
Orchard, J.W. (2015). Men at higher risk of groin injuries in elite team sports: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(12), pp.798-802.