A: In general, any sport which requires sudden changes in direction is a high risk sport for groin injury.

Q: What are the symptoms and signs of groin pull?

A: Groin pull (adductor muscle strain) is usually characterized by a sudden onset of pain in the muscles of the inner thigh (adductor longus), at the junction of the muscle and tendon, or at the site of the insertion of the tendon to the pelvis (inferior pubic ramus).

During examination, the physician will look for tenderness to pressure over the adductor muscles, as well as pain with bending (flexion) of the hip or squeezing together of the legs (hip adduction).

Q: I am a figure skater who skates about 5 days a week. I never stretch (either before or after!) I skated one day and was fine, but then about 3 hours later I had an excruciating pain in my groin area and on my pubic bone. I have been seeing a chiropractor who said it was a groin pull and he has been doing ultrasound on my adductor muscles (both sides are sore). It has been about 7 weeks now and I start to get better, but then relapse again (I just started some LIGHT skating again after 6 weeks). The skating didn't seem to make things worse. I have been stretching gently about 3-4 times daily. What else can I do?

A: Treating a groin pull (adductor muscle strain) can be divided into two phases:

• 0-48 Hours
  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Gentle stretching to the onset of pain
  • Active pain free exercises
  • Electro-Modalaties (TENs / Ultrasound)
• After 48 Hours
  • Continued Electro-Modalaties
  • Gradual Increase of Stretching
  • Increased Strengthening exercises
  • Functional Strengthening (Cycling / Pool Running / Jogging / Swim)
  • Sport Specific skills and training

If the pain recurs following gradual return to sport, the following factors should be considered:

1. Was the rehabilitation adequate in quality and quantity
2. Was return to the sport too quick
3. Is there a problem with lower back inflexibility (Lumbar Stiffness)
4. Is there an imbalance of of pelvic musculature
5. Is the athlete committing sport specific errors in training / technique

If recurrences are an issue, it may be advisable to (1) repeat the rehabilitation procedure in a more thorough or intense manner, and (2) to seek the advise of a physiotherapist / physician / athletic trainer with knowledge of your specific sport (3) consider the possibility of another cause for the pain (Adductor Tendinitis or Osteitis Pubis).