You’ve Pulled Your Groin, Now What?

An adductor strain, or groin strain (sometimes called a “pulled” groin) is an injury of the adductors, muscles which connect your lower abdomen to your thighs. These muscles are primarily responsible for movements which bring your thighs toward the center line of your body – when you squeeze your legs together, the adductors from both sides are making it happen. Medical personnel may need to do some differential diagnosis to rule out injuries that present with similar symptoms, such as hip bursitis. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, difficulty performing certain movements with your legs, and localized bruising.

Men are somewhat more likely to suffer groin pulls, and prior groin injuries are also a risk-factor for injury. 

How do you treat an adductor injury?

The severity of your injury will be diagnosed via physical examination (with Grade 1, 2, 3 labels applied in order of increasing severity) and, if necessary, medical imaging. The initial treatment regimen will likely involve following the R.I.C.E. protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) at home to active rehabilitation with a physical therapist. Reconstructive surgery may be required in the most severe cases where a complete tear of the muscle has occurred, though this is comparatively rare.

What does PT for an adductor injury look like?

The goal of physical therapy in the wake of an adductor injury is to restore mobility, strength and stability, as well as reducing pain. During your early recovery your PT may use massage, taping, heat/ice therapies and other treatments to reduce your pain. They may guide you through passive motions (in which the PT moves the affected limb while you remain relaxed) and gradually move on to active exercises including stretches and strength training to help restore your range of movement and strength, and to help prevent reinjury.

The timeframe for recovering from a groin injury can range from just a few weeks to several months depending on the severity. For athletes, it can take a longer time to reach “game ready” status. Your doctors and therapists will evaluate your progress and make adjustments to ensure that your strength, stability and movement mechanics are optimized before you return to strenuous activity. However, most people who suffer from an adductor strain should expect to eventually make a full recovery and be able to resume normal activities, including strenuous activities like sports.

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