Groin Strain (Adductor Muscle Tear)

Groin strain explained

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 main function of the adductors is to pull the legs back towards the midline, a movement called adduction. During normal walking they are used in pulling the swinging lower limb towards the middle to maintain balance. They are also used extensively in sprinting, playing football, horse riding, hurdling and any sport which requires fast changes in direction.

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. This is especially likely if a thorough warm-up has not been undertaken first! Repetitive overuse of the groin muscles may result in adductor tendinopathy.

Classification of Groin Strains  

Groin strains, as with all muscle tears, are graded 1, 2, or 3 depending on how bad they are.

Grade 1
A minor tear where less than 10% of fibres are damaged.

Grade 2
A moderate tear which can be anything from 10 to 90% of fibres torn. For this reason, grade 2 injuries are often termed 2 or 2-.

Grade 3
The most serious, being either partial or full ruptures.

More detailed information on how a groin strain is diagnoses can be seen on our groin strain assessment page.

Symptoms of a Groin Strain

Grade 1

• Discomfort in the groin or inner thigh. This may not be noticed until after exercise stops.
• The groin muscles will usually feel tight.
• There may be an area which is tender to touch.
• Walking is normal, discomfort may only be when running or even just on changes in direction.

Grade 2

• A sudden sharp pain in the groin area or adductor muscles during exercise.
• Tightening of the groin muscles that may not be present until the following day.
• There may be minor bruising or swelling (this might not occur until a couple of days after the initial injury).
• Weakness and possibly pain on contracting the adductor muscles (squeeze your legs together).
• Discomfort or pain on stretching the muscle.
• Walking may be affected.
• Running is painful.

Grade 3

• Severe pain during exercise, often on changing direction suddenly when sprinting.
• Inability to contract the groin muscles (squeeze your legs together).
• Substantial swelling and bruising on the inner thigh within 24 hours.
• Pain on attempting to stretch the groin muscles.
• It may be possible to feel a lump or gap in the muscles.

Treatment of a Groin Strain

What can the athlete do?

• Apply R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) immediately.
• Use crutches if needed.
• Gently stretch the groin muscles provided this is comfortable to do so.
• See a sports injury professional who can advise on rehabilitation of the injury.
• For a suspected grade 3 strain seek professional help immediately.

What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do?

• Use ultrasound or laser treatment.
• Tape the groin to take the pressure off the area.
• Use sports massage techniques after the acute phase. This is extremely important.
• Operate if the muscle has torn completely.
• Advise on a rehabilitation program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises.

See our groin strain rehab program for more detailed information.

More on Groin Strains:

• Groin strain assessment
• Rehabilitation programme
• Stretching the groin
• Strengthening exercises for groin strains
• Sports massage techniques for groin strains
• Groin strain prevention
• Strapping a groin strain

More expert interviews about groin pain:

• The Sportsman's hernia
• Groin pain
• The Lloyd Release
• Physio on groin strains
• Chiropractor on groin pain