Groin Strain
A groin strain is a tear in one of the adductor muscles on the inner thigh, often caused by sudden movements such as sprinting or changing direction during sports. This injury commonly affects athletes involved in football, hockey, or tennis. Physiotherapy helps reduce pain, restore strength and flexibility, and safely return patients to normal activities or sports.
What is a Groin Strain?
A groin strain, also called an adductor muscle strain, occurs when one or more muscles in the inner thigh become overstretched or torn.
The adductor muscles help bring the legs together and stabilise the hip during movement.
These muscles play an important role in:
- Running
- Changing direction
- Kicking movements
- Maintaining balance while walking or standing
When excessive stress is placed on these muscles, the muscle fibres may tear, causing pain and inflammation.
People often search for this injury as:
- inner thigh muscle strain
- groin muscle tear
- pain in inner thigh after running
How Does a Groin Strain Happen?
Groin strains usually occur during sudden or powerful movements involving the legs.
Common causes include:
- Rapid changes in direction while running
- Sprinting or jumping
- Sudden twisting movements
- Overstretching of the groin muscles
- Muscle fatigue during sports
Sports that commonly cause groin strains include:
- Football (soccer)
- Hockey
- Tennis
- Rugby
- Sprinting and athletics
Poor warm-up or muscle weakness can increase the risk of injury.
What Are the Symptoms of a Groin Strain?
Symptoms usually occur suddenly during physical activity.
Common symptoms include:
- Sudden pain in the groin or inner thigh
- A tearing or pulling sensation during injury
- Bruising in the inner thigh
- Swelling around the injured muscle
- Muscle tightness or stiffness
- Weakness in the affected leg
- Pain when squeezing the legs together
- Difficulty walking or running
Pain may worsen after activity due to bleeding and swelling in the muscle.
What Should I Do If I Have a Groin Strain?
During the first 24–48 hours after injury, it is important to follow the RICE protocol to reduce swelling and prevent further damage.
Rest
Limit weight-bearing on the injured leg. Severe strains may require temporary use of crutches.
Ice
Apply ice wrapped in a cloth or towel for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours.
Compression
Use an elastic bandage to support the muscle and reduce swelling.
Elevation
Raise the injured leg on pillows or a chair so that it is above heart level when possible.
After the initial phase, a physiotherapist should assess the injury.
Physiotherapy Treatment for a Groin Strain
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in ensuring full recovery and preventing reinjury.
At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists assess the injury and design a personalised rehabilitation programme.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
- Manual therapy and soft tissue massage
- Ultrasound therapy to promote healing
- Taping or strapping to support the groin muscles
- Electrotherapy treatments such as TENS
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
- Strengthening exercises for the adductor muscles
Rehabilitation exercises gradually progress to restore normal strength and function.
Rehabilitation Stages for Groin Strain
Early Stage
Focus on reducing pain and inflammation.
Treatment may include:
- Ice therapy
- Gentle mobility exercises
- Pain management techniques
Strengthening Stage
As healing improves, strengthening exercises are introduced.
These may include:
- Adductor strengthening exercises
- Hip stabilisation exercises
- Core strengthening exercises
Return to Activity Stage
The final stage prepares patients for full physical activity.
This stage may include:
- Running progression exercises
- Direction change drills
- Sport-specific training
This ensures safe return to sports.
What Should I Avoid With a Groin Strain?
During the early stage of injury, certain activities should be avoided.
Avoid:
- Hot showers or baths
- Stretching the groin muscles too early
- Massage directly on the injured muscle
- Alcohol consumption
- Intense physical activity
These can increase swelling and delay healing.
Can There Be Long-Term Effects?
Most groin strains heal fully with proper treatment.
However, without appropriate rehabilitation, complications may include:
- Chronic groin pain
- Muscle weakness
- Persistent tightness
- Recurrent groin injuries
Early physiotherapy significantly reduces these risks.
Why Choose ACE Physio Sports
At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in sports injury rehabilitation and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Our clinic provides:
- Comprehensive injury assessments
- Personalised physiotherapy programmes
- Evidence-based rehabilitation techniques
- Safe return-to-sport rehabilitation plans
Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we support patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.
Book an Appointment
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I've strained or torn my groin?
A strain involves small micro-tears and causes soreness and tightness, while a tear involves significant structural damage causing sudden sharp pain, weakness, or bruising. A physiotherapy assessment — sometimes alongside an ultrasound — can confirm the severity and guide your recovery.
How long will a Groin Strain take to heal with physiotherapy?
Grade 1 strains recover in 1–3 weeks, Grade 2 tears in 4–8 weeks. Severe Grade 3 tears may require 3–6 months, especially if surgery is involved. Physiotherapy accelerates recovery with manual therapy, targeted exercise, and a progressive return-to-activity plan.
Should I use heat or ice on a groin muscle injury?
Ice is recommended in the first 48–72 hours to control swelling and acute inflammation. Heat can be introduced once acute inflammation settles to improve blood flow and relax the healing tissue. Your physiotherapist will advise on the right approach for your specific stage of healing.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
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