Groin Strain (Adductor muscle rupture)

What is a groin strain?

A groin strain is a tear or rupture to any one of the adductor muscles. There are five adductor muscles, the pectineus, adductor brevis and adductor longus (called short adductors which go from the pelvis to the thigh bone) and the gracilis and adductor magnus (long adductors which go from the pelvis to the knee). The most common muscle to be injured is the adductor longus muscle which connects from the pubic ramus to the medial (inner) surface of the femur (thigh bone).

The main function of the adductors is to pull the legs back towards the midline, a movement termed adduction. During normal walking they are used in pulling the swinging lower limb towards the middle to maintain the bodys balance. They are also used extensively in sprinting, playing football, horse riding and hurdling. A rupture or tear in the muscle usually occurs when sprinting, changing direction or in rapid movements of the leg against resistance such as kicking a ball.

Symptoms of groin strain

Tightening of the groin muscles that may not be present until the following day.
A sudden sharp pain in the groin area or adductor muscles during exercise.
Bruising or swelling (this might not occur until a couple of days after the initial injury)
Inability to contract the adductor muscles (squeezing the legs together or possibly lifting the leg out in front).
Pain on passive adduction or when stretching the muscles (video).
Pain on resisted adduction (video).
Pain on resisted hip flexion (video).
A lump or gap in the adductor muscles may be felt (video).

Grade 1, 2 or 3?

Groin strains are graded 1, 2, or 3 depending on how bad they are.
The athlete with a grade 1 strain might feel mild discomfort, possibly a little tenderness at a particular point but no swelling.
A grade 2 strain might feel more painful with swelling, pain to touch, reduced range of motion and interference with running.
A grade 3 strain may be very painful, lots of swelling and total inability to run or even walk.

Groin strain treatment

What can the athlete do?

Apply cold therapy the R.I.C.E protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) immediately.
Rest and use crutches if needed.
See a sports injury professional who can advise on rehabilitation of the injury.
For a grade 3 strain seek professional help immediately.

What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do?

Use ultrasound or laser treatment.
Use sports massage techniques after the acute phase. These are extremely important.
Operate if the muscle has torn completely.
Advise on a rehabilitation programme consisting of soft tissue treatment, stretching, strengthening and sports massage.

A partial rupture of the adductor muscles will often lead to inflammation of the groin after the initial rupture has healed.

More detailed information on rehabilitation, stretching, strengthening, sports massage and how to strap a groin strain is available to subscribers including:

Rehabilitation