Groin Strain

Groin strains are one of the most common injuries in sports, particularly in football, hockey and rugby where kicking and change of direction is common. A groin strain describes a strain on the Adductor muscles, of which there are five located at the inside of the thigh. 

These are: 

• Adductor Brevis

• Adductor Longus

• Adductor Magnus

• Gracilis

• Pectinous

A groin strain injury normally occurs when the adductor muscle is forced to stretch 
beyond its limitations, resulting damage to the muscle tissue commonly called a 
tear. The tear in the muscle is called the strain, and fall into one of three different 
degrees, depending on its severity. 

Grade 1

Grade 1 groin strains do not normally appear until a particular activity like running, 
jumping or kicking is done. This is often described as a sensation of cramps or 
tightness, or feelings of pain when the muscles are contracted or stretched. 
Continuation of the activity is often report with the discomfort occur after or the day 
after participation

Grade 2

Grade 2 groin strains immediately have sensations of pain, far more painful than 
those of the grade 1 injuries. It also produces severe pain on walking. The grade 
2 groin strains are usually confirmed by pains, especially when muscles are 
contracted or stretched. This type of groin strain is normally very sore to touch and 
may result in bruising at the inner thigh. 

Grade 3 

Grade 3 groin strains are described as a full rupture of the adductor muscle but
are rare. These types keep the athlete from walking without pain and he 
immediately feels a stabbing pain or burning sensation. The individual with 
normal require surgical intervention following this type of injury. For both the grade 
2 and 3 groin strain injuries, a large bruise is normally formed below the injured 
area after a few days. The bruise is generally caused by bleeding of the damaged 
tissues. 

Immediate treatment for any type of muscle injury is to commence three practical 
yet helpful methods: 

Rest– Avoid the aggravating activity until the pain has disappeared, normal 
between 3 to 6 weeks

Ice– Use ice every couple of hours for 20 minutes over the affected area to reduce 
bleeding and pain 

Compression– Compression assists in the prevention of swelling in the affected 
area help to reduce the recovery time 

Preventing Groin Strain

• Use compression shorts to keep the muscles warm and supported
• Always warm up before sporting activity
• Always cool down after sporting activity
• Stability exercises
• Seek the advice of a qualified sports injury specialist