A groin pull, or strain, is an injury to any inner thigh muscle. Pulled groin symptoms can be common for any people who play sports that involve a lot of jumping and running, such as soccer, football, lacrosse, and hockey.
Any female having groin pain should see their healthcare provider to determine the cause. Groin discomfort can be a sign of a pulled muscle or indicate a more severe condition. In this article, we share common signs of a pulled groin in females and explore the benefits of physical therapy to build strength, increase flexibility, and prevent re-injury.
The adductor muscles are a group of fan-like muscles that run from the inner pelvis to the inner part of the thigh bone (femur). They have several principal functions, including stabilizing the hip joint and pulling the leg inward as they contract.
Healthy, flexible adductor muscles also promote healthy, pain-free leg movement. A pull or a strain happens when a muscle Problems with the groin muscles can affect mobility and function throughout the lower body.
A sudden awkward bend, twist, start, or stop can be enough to strain the groin. Groin injuries are also caused by direct trauma to the area, which is common in many contact sports. Groin injuries can also occur from a fall or from lifting heavy objects.
In many cases, groin pulls are caused by overuse or repetitive stress of any of the adductor muscles. Athletes who regularly perform repeated cutting, lateral shifting, and/or kicking for prolonged periods increase their risk of groin muscle strains, particularly in the athleteβs dominant leg.
Although groin pull symptoms are similar in all genders, groin pain can be indicative of several other conditions in females, including ovarian cysts, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and issues affecting the reproductive organs.
Even if you suspect a groin pull, do not wait to see your healthcare provider if you have pain after an accident or injury. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if your pain is severe, gets worse, or you develop potential signs of an infection like chills or fever. It is best to rule out other conditions and ensure you get the appropriate treatment.
Common pulled groin symptoms in women include:
Based on severity, groin pulls are classified by grades (1,2 & 3). While groin pulls are not necessarily serious, severe grade-three strains cause significant discomfort and take several months to heal, rarely requiring surgery.
Grade 1 and 2 injuries can present with intense groin pain at the time of injury, with local bruising and some swelling occurring within a few days. Symptoms are generally local. In a Grade 3 injury, there is severe pain and swelling, significant weakness, and difficulty walking, crossing the legs, or lifting the knee.
Mild groin pulls heal well with time and conservative therapies. The P.E.A.C.E. and L.O.V.E. protocol for soft-tissue injuries is widely recommended because it promotes optimal tissue repair. This regimen prioritizes rest, elevation, and compression of the injured muscles, followed by the gradual introduction of exercise and load increases to ease the body back into activity.
Many physical therapists are reconsidering ice (cold therapy) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications because a growing body of research suggests they disrupt the recovery .
Physical therapy is a safe, effective, non-invasive treatment for groin pulls in women and men. Once you are cleared for physical therapy, you can start with active stretching and strengthening exercises to build strength and improve flexibility in the groin muscles. Manual therapy, taping, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound can help with pain and inflammation.
Some patients begin physical therapy as soon as 24 to 48 hours after an injury. Physical therapy will address impairments and functional limitations and guide you back to optimal, pain-free function. Let your physical therapist know if symptoms worsen.
To prevent groin pulls, always warm up your groin and leg muscles by stretching before physical activity. Increase the intensity of your training in 10% increments to avoid overstressing the adductors. Wear well-fitted, supportive footwear for your sport or activity, and listen to your body.
Physical therapy is also highly beneficial for female athletes, keeping the groin muscles strong and flexible to prevent injuries. Never try to push through pain; make an appointment with your physical therapist if you have soreness, tightness, or other groin pull symptoms.
Are you ready to be free of nagging groin pain? Find a physical therapy clinic near you or request an appointment online today.
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