Groin strains occur frequently in sports which require sudden changes of direction, twisting, turning and kicking movements such as soccer, rugby and Gaelic football. Patients usually present with localised tenderness over the adductor muscle with pain provoked on resisted contraction and passive stretch of the muscle. Recurrent groin strains are very common in sport mainly due to poor rehabilitation and eagerness to return to sport too soon. Often there may be underlying biomechanical abnormalities and weaknesses in the core musculature that stabilises the pelvis and lower back contributing injury. It is important that any groin rehabilitation program is comprehensive and addresses underlying weaknesses and/or movement restrictions in the hips, pelvis and lower back.

Initially following a groin injury the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) principle is advised for the first 48 hours. Following this your physiotherapist will use a combination of the following techniques to help speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of recurrent strains: deep tissue massage, dry needling, heat therapy, laser, and progressive strengthening exercises.