A groin or adductor strain is a common cause of medial leg and groin pain, especially among athletes. In this video, Travis Owens, DC discusses the causes of groin pain. He also explains signs or symptoms that may indicate you have a muscle strain, or an injury to any of the adductor muscles (the muscles on the inner side of the thigh). Additionally, he explains the way traditional health care approaches these injuries and ways Airrosti is different. Click here to learn more about what to expect at your first visit to Airrosti.
A groin strain, also called a pulled groin muscle, is an acute injury to the muscles on the inside of the thigh, known as the adductor muscles. These muscles help to stabilize the trunk and move the legs inward. A strain typically occurs because of an athletic injury or awkward movement of the hip joint, which leads to stretching or tearing of the inner thigh muscles.
The adductor longus, running from the pubic region of the pelvis down the inner thigh, is the most common location of injury. Other muscles that are often injured include the Medius, Magnus and the Gracilis.
A strain injury is graded I-III based upon its severity. Mild strains involve overstretching of the muscle, whereas more severe strains can involve complete muscle tears. Most injuries to the adductor muscles are Grades I or II.
Grade I is a mild strain with some pain, bruising, and tenderness, but no significant fiber disruption.
A Grade II injury involves injury to the muscle-tendon fibers, but the overall integrity of the muscle-tendon unit is preserved.
A Grade III injury is one that results in a loss of overall tendon integrity. This serious injury will result in severe pain, swelling, joint instability, and pain associated with movement.
Most commonly, strains in the groin muscles occur during acute muscle contraction, such as when kicking, pivoting, or skating.
Groin pulls are common in people who play sports that require a lot of running and jumping. Suddenly jumping or changing direction is a likely cause. These pulls often appear in people who play soccer and football, and they make up about 10% of all injuries in professional hockey players.
Adductor strain is a common injury among those who engage in specific physical activities involving sudden acceleration or changing direction, including soccer, hockey, football, basketball, tennis, figure skating, gymnastics, baseball, softball, sprinting, and martial arts. Failing to properly warm up, stretch, or be properly conditioned can increase your risk of injury.
Other risk factors include:
Depending on the underlying cause, pain can be mild or severe, come on gradually or suddenly, and vary in quality (dull, sharp, throbbing, or even burning). Common symptoms include:
Most adductor muscle injuries respond to conservative treatment. Initial treatment includes activity modification, which may temporarily include crutches, ice and anti-inflammatory medication, and rest as symptoms improve. Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist to help rebuild muscle strength and mobility.
Surgery may be needed for patients with chronic pain whose symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment or physical therapy.
The most important part of recovery in traditional care and sports medicine is rest. Time out of activity varies greatly with the extent of the injury. Most strains and tendon injuries start to improve within 10-14 days and continue to improve over many months. A severe strain may require crutches for several weeks and take a longer recovery period. Some patients will continue to struggle with mild chronic symptoms of pain for more than 6 months.
While most injuries respond well to conservative care, recovery time can be long and frustrating. Further, lengthy recovery timelines can severely hinder an athlete’s ability to train, compete, and participate in sports and physical activity.
Airrosti has demonstrated a proven ability to rapidly resolve the source of most injuries in as few as three visits (based on patient-reported outcomes). We help athletes and other active individuals avoid long recovery times and periods of inactivity. Highly targeted manual therapy and an active training program directed at strength and conditioning of the muscles helps speed recovery and provide lasting results.
Call Airrosti at (800) 404-6050 to learn how we can help you recover faster and schedule your first appointment now!
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
I am preparing for a half marathon and started experiencing severe upper/inner thigh and groin pain. It was difficult to even put pants on. The pain was waking me at night. After only two visits the majority of my pain had gone away and I was back to full activity again. After my third and final visit, I am feeling great with the continued care I can do at home to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Thank you!
by Arwen Beerman
