Just like any strain, groin strain (also known as pulled groin) is a tear or stretch of any or all the adductor muscles of the inner thigh or the joints. Hockey, football, tennis and other sports that require quick and pivoting direction changes are the most frequent actions for groin pulls. These sports injuries range from simple stretching of the muscles to more severe tearing of the fibres. Just like other strains, it’s graded 1 through to 3 with 3 being the most severe tear.
Because of this function and location, athletes engaged in sports in which the leg is moved inward or outward are often susceptible to the injury.
Cause of groin strain
Forceful extending of the adductor muscles of the hip. When contraction of the adductor muscles is forceful. When sprinting or kicking a ball. Overuse of the adductor muscles may result in inflammation in the groin (adductor tendinitis).
Signs and symptoms
Grade 1: Mild pain. Stiffness but no or little impact on the athletic performance.
Grade 2: Pain may increase. Some tenderness, swelling, restricted range of motion, pain when walking or running.
Grade 3: Really painful. Pain with weight-bearing, significant swelling, pain at night or at rest.
Complications if left unattended
Groin strains that are untreated may result in pain that could result in injuries in other areas and an awkward gait. A small muscle tear could become severe and eventually full tear.
Immediate treatment
RICER. Anti-inflammatory diet or medication. For Grade 3, it might be necessary to look for a medical evaluation.
Prevention and rehabilitation
Strengthening and stretching programme for minor tear is advised. Strains that are severe will require a good rest. Proper warm-up activities before exercise.
Prevention of groin strain demands more warming-up before sports activities. Stretching for better flexibility in adductor muscles and strengthening the abductor muscles, hip flexors and abdominals for great balance.
Long-term prognosis
Groin strains will cure with no lasting effects. The most severe strains, with tears that are complete, need surgery.
Sports massage for groin strain
Sports massage for groin strain (pulled groin) is focused on the entire thigh, anterior and posterior, accenting the adductors on the medial aspect. A sports massage involves a range of different techniques as transverse massage that helps reduce muscle tightness, relieve pain and increase blood circulation. A sports massage will improve tissue strength, range of movement and enhance recovery. It will also help a person being treated return to sports activities soon. The sports massage therapist at Lucas Massage Therapy in Watford uses sports & deep-tissue massage to treat muscle tightness and relieve any pain, stress and tension.
Feel better – Move better – Be pain free
Groin pain in football
