Groin Strain Physical Therapy
Written by Andy Zapata
Just hearing the term “groin strain” is enough to make people wince. If you’ve ever had a groin injury, you know just how painful it can be. Groin strains can impact day-to-day activities like walking, driving, bathing…just about anything that requires core or lower-body movement. So, what can you do about groin strains?
Groin Strain Info
Before we get into treatment, a little bit of background information on groin strains:
When the injury occurs, some people may feel or hear a “pop” and/or notice immediate swelling. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the groin area, bruising or swelling along the inner thigh, muscle weakness or tightness, a warm sensation in the area, and difficulty walking, among others. There are three grades of groin strains, 1 being mild, and 3 being severe. In most cases, a physical examination is enough to make a diagnosis, but in some cases, an X-ray or MRI may be necessary.
Groin Strains can occur in many ways. According to Healthline:
“Groin strain is most common among both professional and recreational athletes. It’s often caused by straining the adductor muscle while kicking, so it’s more common in the athlete’s dominant leg. It can also be caused by turning quickly while running, skating, or jumping. Movements that require your muscle to both lengthen and contract at the same time usually cause a groin strain. This puts stress on your muscle and can lead it to overstretch or tear.”
Treatment Options
The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate) is generally effective for most types of muscle injuries. But groins present a unique challenge due to the location; for example, compression and ice on a groin are only going to be comfortable for so long. Of the R.I.C.E. steps, rest is the most effective.
Groin strains, while typically not serious, are very easily re-aggravated if not rested until fully healed. And if you aggravate the injury again, you’re right back to square one. So – it makes sense to rest and refrain from any strenuous physical activity until the strain is completely healed.
Groin Strain Physical Therapy
If you’re wondering whether physical therapy can help with groin strains, the answer is absolutely. Once you’ve been examined, one of our physical therapists at Physical Therapy Now will formulate a customized plan of attack based on the severity of your injury. Groin strain physical therapy focuses mainly on stretching and muscle building, which serves to not only improve your flexibility but also to help avoid future strains thanks to a stronger muscle.
If you’re hampered by groin strain pain, call Physical Therapy Now at (800) 481-4582 to schedule your first appointment. We have many convenient locations in the Miami-Dade area, including Broward County, Palm Beach, and Leon County, as well as locations in Dallas and Houston, Texas.
