Groin Strain

What Is a Groin Strain?

A groin strain (also called an adductor strain) occurs when the muscles in the inner thigh or groin area are overstretched or torn. These muscles are responsible for bringing the leg inward (adduction) and stabilizing the pelvis. Strains range in severity from mild (small tears) to more severe (larger tears or multiple muscle involvement).

Common Causes & Risk Factors

Groin strains often happen because of:

• Sudden forceful movements (kicking, sprinting, changing direction) 

• Overstretching (for example during warm‑ups or splits) 

• Repetitive stress on the groin or inner thigh muscles (running, soccer, hockey, etc.) 

• Muscle imbalance (weak adductors compared to abductors), poor flexibility 

• Pelvis or hip misalignment, lumbar spine issues that affect how forces are distributed through the leg and groin region 

Symptoms of a Groin Strain

Typical signs include:

• Sharp or sudden pain in the groin or inner thigh, especially with movement (bringing legs together, lifting knee, side‑stepping) Swelling, bruising in more severe cases 

• Muscle weakness in the inner thigh/adductor group 

• Limited range of motion, stiffness, difficulty walking or maintaining normal stride 

• Pain with certain movements (running, kicking, turning) 

How We Diagnose Groin Strain at Advanced Chiropractic & Spine Center

At our Souderton office, Dr. Miller & Dr. Booth will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of your groin strain and any contributing factors. This typically includes:

1. Patient History & Activity Assessment — Understanding when the pain began, what movements make it worse, your activity/sport history.

2. Physical Examination — Palpation of the inner thigh/adductor muscles; tests of range of motion (hip and pelvis); strength tests of adductors/abductors.

3. Posture, Gait & Pelvic/Hip Alignment Assessment — Checking for misalignment of the pelvis, hip joint restrictions, lower back involvement that may refer pain to the groin.

4. Imaging (if needed) — Sometimes X‑rays or ultrasound or other imaging may be used to rule out more serious injuries (severe muscle tears, avulsion fractures) if symptoms suggest that.

Treatment Options at Our Office

We offer a comprehensive, multi‑modal treatment plan to help resolve groin strain, reduce pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence. Below are treatments we commonly use:

Treatment Type	What It Involves	Benefits for Groin Strain
Chiropractic Adjustments / Spinal & Pelvic Alignment	Gentle adjustments to lower back, sacroiliac joint, hip joints to restore proper alignment, relieve nerve or joint stress.	Helps reduce referred pain, improves biomechanics so groin muscles are under less strain.
Soft Tissue Mobilization & Myofascial Release	Hands‑on work on the adductor muscles, inner thigh, hip flexors; breaking up adhesions and scar tissue.	Reduces muscle tightness, improves circulation, accelerates healing.
Active Release Techniques (ART)	Specific soft‑tissue technique to remove adhesions, restore muscle elasticity.	Particularly helpful for strains where scar tissue and adhesions limit range and cause persistent pain.
Graston Technique / Instrument‑Assisted Soft Tissue Work	Use of specialized instruments to mobilize soft tissue, address scar tissue.	Can speed recovery, especially in athletes.
Corrective Exercise	Gradual stretching and strengthening: adductor strengthening, hip abductor work, core stability, pelvic stability drills. Home exercise plan.	Builds strength, restores balance, helps prevent re‑strain.
Modalities for Pain & Inflammation	Ice/Cold therapy; possibly laser therapy or electrical stimulation (if indicated).	Helps reduce swelling, pain, speed healing in acute stages.

What to Expect: Timeline & Recovery

• Mild Strains (Grade 1) — Usually healing within 2‑4 weeks with rest, alignment work, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises.

• Moderate Strains (Grade 2) — May take 4‑8+ weeks depending on how soon treatment begins and patient compliance with home exercise.

• Severe Strains (Grade 3) — Significant tears; sometimes surgery may be needed, but often many respond to conservative care. Healing may take several months. We monitor the injury and refer out if surgical intervention becomes necessary. 

Why Choose Advanced Chiropractic & Spine Center in Souderton, PA?

• Local experts: Dr. Keith Miller & Dr. Matthew Booth have a strong background in musculoskeletal, sports‑injury, and spine care.

• Personalized care: We design treatment plans specifically for your injury, activity level, and goals.

• Located in Souderton, PA we’re conveniently accessible.

• Focus on non‑drug, non‑surgical, holistic solutions.

• Emphasis on corrective exercise so you recover stronger and reduce risk of re‑injury.