Groin pain, also known as groin pain In English, it is a pain located in the groin area, at the border between the abdomen, hip, and upper thigh. Several structures converge in this area: muscles and tendons such as the adductors, psoas, rectus femoris, and abdominal muscles; nerves such as the femoral, obturator, and ilioinguinal nerves; and joints and bones such as the hip, pubic symphysis, and pelvis. For this reason, groin pain can be a complex condition.
How do the structures that can cause inguinal pain differ?
- Adductors: Common in sports involving kicking (soccer, martial arts, etc.). The most commonly affected muscle is the long adductor. Palpation and contraction of the adductors (closing the legs) can cause pain.
- Iliopsoas: The rectus femoris muscle can be affected during sprints or when hitting a ball, while the iliacus and psoas muscles are more involved in changes of direction. Contraction (bringing the knee to the chest) and palpation often cause discomfort.
- Inguinal: Pain located between the lower abdomen, the pubis, and the anterior superior iliac spine. Palpation, coughing, sneezing, or abdominal contractions may trigger pain. This pain does not include inguinal hernias.
- Pubis: Pain when palpating the pubic symphysis, common in sports overload.
- Hip: associated with blockages, clicking, trapping, or a feeling of instability. The labrum, acetabulum, or femoral head may be affected and is known as femoroacetabular impingement syndromeInternal hip rotation is usually limited.
What can cause groin pain?
The main causes are:
- Muscle imbalances: differences in strength or tension between the abdominal muscles and the hip adductors or flexors (psoas and rectus femoris), and even the gluteal muscles. This is often associated not only with athletes but also with sedentary people who require a higher level of activity.
- High-intensity physical activity: explosive movements, sudden changes of direction, turns, jumps or hitting the ball.
- Incorrect technique: in those athletes who perform complex sports movements that overload the inguinal area.
- Traumas: falls or direct or indirect blows to the pelvic and pubic region.
- Excessive or sudden stretching: both passive and active.
- Insufficient preparation: inadequate warm-up, lack of rest, overtraining or muscles not properly conditioned.
- Overweight: Excessive body load increases pressure on the joints and pelvis, increasing the risk of pain or injury.
Who usually suffers from groin pain? Is it related to lower back pain?
Groin pain is more common in athletes due to the high physical demands they endure. However, it can also occur in people with demanding physical jobs, those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, overweight individuals, or even pregnant women. In these cases, the symptoms are often similar, although treatment is tailored to the patient's activities and lifestyle.
There is a close relationship between inguinal pain and lower back pain, since the muscles involved play a fundamental role in lumbopelvic stabilization, along with the multifida and gluteal muscles (If you are interested in this topic, do not hesitate to read this blog)Therefore, properly assessing and treating this area is essential, especially for people who suffer from lower back pain.
At Evolution Physiotherapy Clinic, we have specialized physical therapists who approach each patient holistically, tailoring the evaluation and treatment to their needs and activities to ensure optimal recovery.
How do I know if I have groin pain?
The most common symptoms of groin pain include localized, dull, or even electric pain in the pubic area, groin, lower abdomen, or inner thigh. Discomfort often occurs when climbing stairs, getting into a car, walking, or playing sports.
In some cases, they may also appear when coughing, sneezing, or performing abdominal movements, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness or tightness in the area.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to see a physical therapist to assess your condition and begin treatment as soon as possible to prevent the injury from worsening.
Can physical therapy help with groin pain?
Physical therapy can't help, but it's essential for treating groin pain. It first helps identify the source of the injury and, from there, design a treatment plan tailored to each patient.
The approach combines different tools such as manual therapy, diathermy, invasive techniques such as percutaneous electrolysis, neuromodulation or dry needling, along with therapeutic exercise. In addition, it is key to adjust or modify any activities that may be irritating the structures in the area, always avoiding complete rest.
The recovery process is not linear, and the duration of the injury varies from person to person. However, consistent exercise and supportive physical therapy techniques can enhance the body's natural ability to recover.
At Evolution Physiotherapy we are 100% committed to your recovery, offering you personalized treatment backed by the andClinical experience and the most innovative techniques.
Physiotherapy in Alcalá de Henares for the treatment of groin pain.
Groin pain can limit your sports and daily life, but proper treatment can get you back to your normal life sooner.
In Evolution Advanced Physiotherapy ClinicIn Alcalá de Henares, we design a personalized plan for each patient that combines manual therapy, invasive therapies, and exercise, all within a customized physiotherapy approach to treat pubalgia. Our team of specialists will adapt the treatment to your specific situation and will support you throughout your recovery process.
Don't let it pass and book your appointment here, don't let pain limit your life.
