Groin Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Groin Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Introduction

Groin pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It is especially prevalent among athletes, runners, hockey players, and individuals whose work or hobbies involve repetitive lifting, twisting, sprinting, or kicking.

While it may start as mild discomfort, groin pain can significantly interfere with walking, exercise, work duties, and everyday activities. Research suggests groin injuries account for approximately 10–18% of athletic injuries, particularly in sports that require cutting, rapid direction changes, or explosive movements.

Understanding the potential causes and seeking early care can help prevent long-term issues and speed up recovery.

Common Causes of Groin Pain

Groin pain can originate from muscles, tendons, joints, or surrounding structures. Common causes include:

• Adductor (inner thigh) muscle strains

• Hip flexor strains

• Sports hernia (athletic pubalgia)

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

• Hip labral tears

• Osteitis pubis

• Stress fractures

• Referred pain from the lower back or pelvis

Because symptoms can overlap, a proper assessment is essential to determine the true source of pain.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing groin pain, including:

• Sudden increases in training volume or intensity

• Inadequate warm-up or conditioning

• Weakness in the hip, pelvic, or core muscles

• Previous groin or hip injuries

• Limited hip mobility

• Poor movement mechanics during sport (cutting, kicking, skating)

• High training frequency without adequate recovery

Addressing these factors early can reduce the risk of recurrence.

Symptoms of Groin Pain

Early symptoms may include:

• Tightness or pulling sensations in the inner thigh

• Mild aching after activity

• Hip or groin stiffness

More advanced symptoms can include:

• Sharp pain during sprinting, twisting, or kicking

• Pain when lifting the leg or getting in and out of a car

• Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the hip

• Pain that limits walking, stairs, or exercise

• Localized swelling or tenderness in the groin region

⚠️ Seek urgent medical attention if groin pain follows significant trauma or is accompanied by fever, testicular swelling, or an inability to bear weight.

How Groin Pain Is Diagnosed

A thorough assessment is key to effective treatment. Diagnosis typically includes:

• A detailed health and activity history

• Physical examination of the hip, pelvis, and lower back

• Strength, flexibility, and movement testing

• Special tests to differentiate muscle, tendon, and joint involvement

In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI may be recommended to rule out fractures, labral tears, or other structural concerns.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Groin Pain

Physiotherapy plays an important role in both rehabilitation and injury prevention.

Treatment may include:

• Education on activity modification and load management

• Targeted strengthening of the adductors, hip stabilizers, and core

• Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and soft-tissue flexibility

• Progressive, individualized exercise programs

• Balance and movement retraining

• Structured, gradual return-to-sport or activity plans

These strategies aim to reduce pain, restore movement, and minimize the risk of future injury.

Patient Education & Self-Management Tips

You can support your recovery by:

• Avoiding pushing through sharp or worsening pain

• Staying gently active with movements such as walking

• Using ice or heat for symptom relief as recommended

• Performing prescribed exercises consistently

• Gradually progressing activity instead of returning too quickly

Long-term success often comes from incorporating strength training, mobility work, and proper warm-ups into regular routines.

When to Seek Help

Groin pain may seem like a simple muscle strain, but it can have many underlying causes. Early assessment and treatment can help prevent chronic symptoms and allow a safe return to activity.

If groin pain persists, worsens, or limits your daily life, professional guidance is recommended.

Book an Assessment

If you’re experiencing groin pain or aren’t sure what’s causing your symptoms, our team is here to help. Contact Integrative Physiotherapy & Wellness to book an assessment and receive a personalized treatment plan designed to help you move better and stay active.

References

• Weir A, et al. Doha Agreement Meeting on terminology and definitions in groin pain in athletes. British Journal of Sports Medicine.

• Hölmich P. Clinical examination of athletes with groin pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine.

• Serner A, et al. Acute adductor injuries in athletes: clinical and MRI findings. American Journal of Sports Medicine.

• Brukner & Khan. Clinical Sports Medicine.