Conditions we treat
Groin Strain
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is a Groin Strain?
A groin strain is an injury to the adductor muscles — the group of muscles running along the inner thigh that pull the leg inward. It’s common in sports involving sprinting, kicking, or rapid changes of direction, and can range from a mild strain to a more significant tear.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain in the inner thigh or groin, worse with kicking, sprinting, or bringing the legs together, along with tenderness and sometimes bruising for more significant strains.
Treatment
Andrew’s treatment combines manual therapy and soft tissue work to manage pain in the early stages, with a progressive strengthening programme targeting the adductors — since inadequate adductor strength is one of the biggest risk factors for both first-time and recurrent groin strains. Return to sport is guided by how the muscle is actually performing, not just by how it feels.
How we treat it
Treatments used for groin strain
Manual TherapyManual therapy uses hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and fascia distortion release — to ease pain, restore movement and speed recovery.
Exercise RehabilitationA structured, progressive exercise programme — tailored to your condition and stage of recovery — to rebuild strength, restore movement and prevent injuries recurring.Frequently asked questions
How long does a groin strain take to heal?
Mild strains often settle within 2–3 weeks, while more significant tears can take 6 weeks or more. A full strengthening programme, not just rest, is what determines how well it holds up once you're back to sport.
What causes recurring groin strains?
Most commonly, inadequate adductor strength relative to the demands of your sport, often because rehab stopped once the pain settled rather than continuing through a full strengthening programme.
Can I train through a groin strain?
Training through pain risks worsening the strain. Andrew will guide what activity is safe early on, and build a progressive return-to-sport plan as the muscle's strength and tolerance improves.
Is a groin strain the same as a hernia?
No, though they can feel similar and both cause groin pain. A hernia involves tissue pushing through the abdominal wall and needs medical assessment, while a groin strain is a muscle injury — Andrew's assessment can help distinguish between the two, referring on if a hernia is suspected.
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