What is groin pain?
Groin pain is related to abnormal muscle forces acting on the joint at the front of the pelvis. This is generally a common issue. There are many muscles that attach near this joint so when diagnosing the condition it will be classified to which muscle it affects. These include:
- adductor-related
- hip-related groin pain.
- iliopsoas-related
- inguinal (or abdominal) related
- pubic-related groin pain
Although these are the most common types of groin pain there can be others that are not covered here. Groin pain is caused by repetitive activities such as running, kicking or change of direction activities.
How do I know if I have groin pain?
You may have some type of groin pain if:
- You experience pain on one or both sides of the groin
- You experience pain in the lower abdominals or at the front of the hips
- You experience more pain when firmly touching the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis commonly
- You experience pain when your legs are crossed, squeezing your knees together or when moving the affected leg away from the midline of the body
- You experience pain when exercising.
How can physiotherapy help with groin pain?
Physiotherapy can help you if you have the condition of groin pain by:
- Showing you how to manage daily activities
- Giving you advice and education
- Using exercises to strengthen the abdominal and hip muscles
- Improve the motions of the hip by stretching and manipulation
It has been proven that physiotherapy is a successful way to manage groin pain and a higher percentage who received physiotherapy were able to return to previous activities.
What can I do at home?
It is important that you take note of activities that cause you groin pain. This can help your physiotherapist with treating your condition. You will need to ensure you avoid activities that cause you pain to ensure that it does not get worse.
How long will my recovery be?
It can take 3 or more months to fully recover after you have been diagnosed and a personalised rehabilitation plan has begun. The likelihood for a full recovery is very likely.
If you would like to find out more please call us or book an appointment here.
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Reference: Australian Physiotherapy Association 2019, Your Body, viewed 19 November 2019, < https://australian.physio/>.