Are you experiencing sharp groin pain or leg weakness after an intense workout? A pulled groin muscle can be caused by sudden trauma or by repetitive overuse, and this injury is especially common among athletes. In fact, pulled groin symptoms are one of the most common sports injuries.
Pulled Groin Muscle Symptoms & Diagnosis
Sports that involve physical contact and sudden starts/stops—like football, ice hockey, and rugby—are most likely to cause strained groin as a result of sudden trauma. Sports like running and soccer are more likely to cause pulled groin symptoms due to repetitive stress.
If you’ve pulled a groin muscle, you likely noticed a “pop” from your groin area at the time of the injury. You may also be experiencing common pulled groin symptoms such as:
- Sharp pain and tightness in the groin area
- Swelling and bruising
- Leg weakness and limping
- Pain in the hip, pelvis, or lower back
If you think you may have a torn groin injury, you might want to see a professional for a diagnosis. You may need imaging like an MRI or X-ray to determine the severity of the injury.
How Severe is Your Pulled Groin Muscle Injury?
Torn groin injuries are assessed with the following grading system:
- Grade 1: A mild torn groin injury involves overstretching or slight tearing of the muscle fibers. Pain is present, but the muscle can work at full strength. Expect four to six weeks for a full recovery.
- Grade 2: If you experience a loss of strength and/or bruising along with moderate tenderness, you may have a grade 2 injury. Expect two to three months of healing time.
- Grade 3: A severe or complete tear of the muscle will cause bruising and can take upwards of four months to heal.
Can Physical Therapy Help Strained Groin Recovery?
Absolutely! Even if you have already recovered from a torn groin muscle, groin strain injuries are prone to recurrence and can become chronic without proper recovery. A physical therapist can provide you with a customized program designed to stretch and strengthen adductor muscles. Not only will this reduce the pain you’re currently experiencing from your pulled groin muscle, but it will also reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence.
Pulled Groin Symptoms May Differ Between Men & Women
Groin pain is prevalent in athletes of all genders, but studies suggest that women are less likely than men to experience strained groin injuries. While you can expect similar types of pain across all sufferers, women tend to experience less pain and have less severe pulled groin symptoms.
Why might a pulled groin in men cause symptoms that are more painful? This is likely due to sex-related differences in inguinal anatomy and hip joint morphology, which may cause the tissues in the pubic symphysis in men to be exposed to higher tensile forces.
Reduce Pulled Groin Symptoms With Physical Therapy
You’ll find IMPACT Physical Therapy facilities across Chicagoland, and our team of experienced physical therapists is here to help you reduce your symptoms and make a long-term recovery from your strained groin injury. Learn what to expect at your first appointment and request your visit today to get started!
