Groin Pain Explained
Introduction
Groin pain is a common complaint, especially among athletes, runners, hockey players, and people who perform repetitive lifting or twisting activities.
It can significantly limit walking, exercise, work, and daily activities.
Groin pain affects a wide range of ages and activity levels, and research shows it accounts for up to 10–18% of injuries in athletes, particularly in sports that involve cutting, sprinting, or kicking.
Causes and Risk Factors
Common causes
Adductor (inner thigh) muscle strain
Hip flexor strain
Sports hernia / athletic pubalgia
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
Hip labral tears
Osteitis pubis
Stress fractures
Referred pain from the lower back or pelvis
Risk factors
Risk factors include:
Sudden increase in training or activity
Poor warm-up or conditioning
Weakness in hip and core muscles
Previous groin or hip injury
Limited hip mobility
Poor technique in sport (cutting, kicking, skating)
High training frequency without recovery
Symptoms
Early symptoms may include:
Tightness or pulling sensation in the inner thigh
Mild ache after activity
Stiffness in the hip or groin area
More advanced symptoms can present with:
Sharp pain during sprinting, twisting, or kicking
Pain when lifting the leg or getting out of a car
Clicking or catching in the hip
Pain that limits walking, stairs, or exercise
Swelling or tenderness around the groin
Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms include severe pain after trauma, fever, testicular swelling, or inability to bear weight.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis often involves:
A detailed medical and activity history
Physical examination of the hip, pelvis, and lower back
Strength and flexibility testing
Special tests to differentiate between the hip joint and muscle causes
In some cases, it may be recommended to perform imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI to rule out fractures, labral tears, or other conditions.
Physiotherapy Approach
Physiotherapy plays a key role in both recovery and prevention.
Physiotherapy interventions such as:
Education about activity modification and load management
Targeted strengthening of the adductors, hip stabilizers, and core
Manual therapy to improve soft-tissue mobility and joint movement
Progressive exercise programs tailored to sport or activity
Balance and movement retraining
Gradual return-to-sport guidelines
These approaches help reduce pain, restore movement, and decrease the risk of re-injury.
Patient Education and Self-Management
Patients can actively support recovery by:
Avoiding “pushing through” sharp pain
Maintaining gentle movement such as walking
Using ice or heat for comfort
Performing prescribed exercises consistently
Progressing activity gradually instead of all at once
Incorporating healthy habits such as strength training, stretching, and proper warm-ups can significantly improve outcomes.
Conclusion
Groin pain may seem like a simple muscle strain, but it can have many possible causes. Early assessment and treatment can prevent chronic problems and help you return to normal activity safely.
If you’re experiencing persistent groin pain, consult a physiotherapist for guidance and a personalized treatment plan.
If you are dealing with groin pain or are unsure about your symptoms, our team is here to help. Contact Integrative Physiotherapy and Wellness today to book an assessment and start your recovery journey. Our physiotherapists are here 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. Br J Sports Med.
Holmich P. Clinical examination of athletes with groin pain. Br J Sports Med.
Serner A, et al. Acute adductor injuries in athletes — a clinical and MRI study. Am J Sports Med.
Brukner & Khan. Clinical Sports Medicine
