Groin/Adductor Strain
The adductor muscles, frequently called the “groin muscles,” are a group of muscles on the inside of your thigh that help to squeeze your thighs together. A strain is damage to the muscle tissue, from a few fibers to a total rupture of the muscle. The adductors are often injured by forceful adduction, or by overstretching into abduction (out to the side). Groin strains are very common in hockey, soccer, and lacrosse athletes due to frequent and forceful changes in direction, but can also be seen in artistic athletes who experience forceful overstretching into the side splits position.
– Frequent/forceful hip adduction.
– Overstretch into hip abduction (side splits).
– Slip/fall.
– Poor hip mobility.
– Hip/core weakness.
– Fatigue.
– Pain on the inside of your thigh, often near your pelvis.
– Difficulty walking or lifting your leg.
– Reduced range of motion.
– Difficulty running, skating, cutting.
At Home Diagnostic Tests
– Active adduction (video).
– Passive abduction (video).
At Home Care
– As this is often an overstretch injury, we DO NOT want to stretch the injury, even though it feels “tight.” Instead, foam roll your adductors and hip flexors.
When to Seek Help
If your injury is making it difficult to walk, is not responding to home treatments, or does not improve within 3-4 days, contact your physical therapist.
Inspired Athletx Treatment
Much of the pain with groin strains is due to the protective spasming of the muscle. Manual therapy, including dry needling, reduces this spasm, thus improving pain and range of motion. Strengthening of the hip and core musculature, as well as improving running, cutting, and jumping mechanics, is key to rapid return to play, as well as future strain prevention.