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Background & Etiology

A groin strain, or a pulled groin, is an injury to the muscles of the inner thigh. Called the adductor muscles, these six muscles run from the inside of the pelvis to the inside of the femur (thigh bone.) A strained muscle occurs when the muscle is stretched or pulled beyond its normal range. This can cause small tears in the muscle fibers, or even in severe cases a complete muscle tear.

There are three grades of groin strain

Grade I – slight pain or discomfort, with a limited impact on physical ability

Grade II – moderate pain or discomfort, and a noticeable impact on physical ability particularly during running or jumping activities

Grade III – severe pain and discomfort that impedes the ability to walk, often accompanied by muscle spasm, swelling, and bruising.

A groin strain is a common sports injury, particularly among athletes who participate in ice hockey and soccer. Several factors can impact groin strain, including hip muscle strength, conditioning, and previous injury. Common causes of groin muscle strain include:

  • Sudden changes in training, particularly running
  • Sharp movements that require changing direction quickly to run, jump, or kick
  • Pain that makes sleeping difficult
  • Pain that continues while sitting or resting

The symptoms of a groin strain can be very similar to the symptoms of a sports hernia. It is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

  • Sudden, sharp pain in the groin area
  • Difficulty walking, running, or jumping
  • Swelling along the pelvis
  • Bruising at the site of the injury
  • Muscle spasm

If an individual suspects groin strain the initial treatment should consist of avoiding the positions and activities that produce the pain. A course of conservative treatment is usually recommended that would include rest and immobilization, ice, physical therapy and non-steroidal medications to reduce inflammation.

If symptoms persist, treatment by your physician may be necessary. This may include steroidal medication or injections, in conjunction with therapy. In severe cases where the muscle is completely torn surgery may be needed to reattach the ends of the torn muscle.

Physical Therapists are professionals, educated and trained to administer interventions. As stated in The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, interventions are the skilled and purposeful use of physical therapy methods and techniques to produce changes consistent with the diagnosis, prognosis and goal of the patient or client. Common interventions in the treatment of groin strain include:

  • Manual Therapeutic Technique (MTT): hands on care including soft tissue massage, deep friction massage and joint mobilization by a physical therapist to regain mobility and range of motion of the leg and hips.
  • Therapeutic Exercises (TE) including stretching and strengthening exercises to regain range of motion and strengthen the groin muscles.
  • Neuromuscular Reeducation (NMR) to restore stability, retrain the lower extremity, and improve movement technique and mechanics (for example, running or jumping activities) in daily use of the involved lower extremity.
  • Modalities that can include the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, cold laser and others to decrease pain and inflammation at the groin.
  • Home program that includes strengthening, stretching and stabilization exercises and instructions to help the person perform daily tasks and advance to the next functional level.

Procedures that your physician may recommend and perform in addition to physical therapy that include:

  • REST and ICE
  • The use of NSAIDS (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
  • Steroidal injections to reduce inflammation
  • Pain medication to reduce the discomfort and allow the patient to perform the recommended exercises
  • Surgery to correct underlying pathology or the cause of the groin strain.

Prognosis

Most people recover full function following a course of conservative care that includes physical therapy, medication and/or injections. It is important that once the pain and inflammation is reduced, and motion and strength are restored, the patient gradually returns to full activities.

Stretching and strengthening exercises of the adductor muscles can help prevent the occurrence of groin strain. Core stability training that helps improve control of the abdomen and hips can also help prevent muscle injuries. Instruction in daily activities or sport performance is helpful for reducing a reoccurrence of groin strain.

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Real People, Real Testimonials.

“A first class operation, I would recommend Twin Boro to family and friends.”

Carl

I have been a customer at Twin Boro in the Hadley Center Mall, South Plainfield off and on for over a year, in the care of Brianna Patane. I am writing to commend the staff there on their friendly and helpful customer service and professional and personal approach to physical therapy. In particular I want to let you know what an asset to Twin Boro Brianna is. She is an outstanding physical therapist who provides a great exercise program to use both onsite and at home, and also utilizes deep massage to increase blood flow to the injured area, which also helps make the injured area feel better. Her friendly and professional approach to PT made my experience there more enjoyable then I ever thought PT could be, and the results and improvement to my injury were noticeable at once and were long-lasting. Not only are her PT skills top notch, but her enjoyment of working with people made it a joy to have her as my physical therapist. She is the best! Having a 41-year career myself, I know employees like Brianna do not come along every day, and my suggestion is that Twin Boro do whatever is necessary to keep this valuable employee on your staff. She is a tremendous physical therapist.

Lisa W.

"I have had the pleasure of attending Twin Boro Physical Therapy this past year and prior to Optimum Health becoming Twin Boro, I had been a patient since 2006. The entire staff is very caring, professional, and make your PT sessions fun. There is always something to laugh about and get you through your pain! A special thanks to Keith for all he has done for me over the years!"

Donna R.

“Thank you for all your help and kindness during my 25 visits. I know I will miss you all. Special thanks to Bob Simona and Sue who were always there for me with a smile and kind words. Twin Boro is very lucky to have such a caring and wonderful group of professionals.”

Joanne

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