Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025

In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about groin strain and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.

Groin strain occurs when you pull, overstretch, or tear your groin muscle. The groin muscles are located where your belly meets your legs. Any strenuous activity—like sports, lifting, or sudden movements—can cause a groin strain, ranging from a mild pull to a complete muscle tear. Athletes, especially those in soccer and ice hockey, are at higher risk.

Causes of a Groin Strain

Frequent falls or trauma to one side of the body (common in soccer players)¹
Hernia, especially in males, can stretch and weaken groin muscles
Lifting heavy objects or standing from a sitting position while lifting
Previous groin injuries that haven’t healed properly
Forceful kicking, twisting, or overuse of thigh muscles²

The groin supports the abdominal wall and transfers force from the abdomen to the thigh. Sudden, strong movements can disrupt these structures and cause strain.

Grades of a Groin Strain

Grade 1

Mild overstretching with about 5% of muscle fibers affected. Symptoms are mild but may cause discomfort during activity.

Grade 2

Partial tear of the muscle. Pain is felt during walking or bringing thighs together, but not at rest.

Grade 3

Severe or complete tear. Intense pain, swelling, and inability to stand or use the muscle.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain: Inner thigh pain, worsened by touch or movement³
Decreased strength: Weakness in the upper leg and reduced range of motion
Swelling: Swelling at the injury site, especially if not a hernia⁴
Bruising: Discoloration from blood pooling under the skin
Limping or difficulty walking: Altered gait due to pain

Diagnosis of a Groin Strain

Accurate diagnosis is essential. A healthcare professional will:

Ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred
Check for pain, swelling, and any popping sound at the time of injury
Perform a physical exam, moving your leg to assess muscle function
Order X-rays or MRI if needed to rule out other injuries

Treatment of Groin Strain

The goal is to reduce pain and swelling and promote healing:

R.I.C.E Therapy

Rest: Essential for healing
Ice: Apply for up to 20 minutes at a time
Compression: Use a bandage if recommended
Elevation: Keep the leg above heart level

Anti-inflammatory Medications

NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help with swelling and pain⁵. Always consult your doctor before use.

Physical Therapy

Physiotherapy strengthens muscles and relieves tension, speeding up recovery⁶. A certified physiotherapist can guide you through safe exercises.

Massage

Gentle massage improves blood flow and reduces recovery time. Avoid deep pressure on the injury.

Surgical Treatment

For severe or non-healing strains, surgery may be needed. Always discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. Follow post-surgery rehab instructions for best results. Learn about meniscectomy recovery.

Prolotherapy for Groin Strain

In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat groin strain.

Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.

Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This stimulates the production of collagen cells, which are needed to repair the damage and help groin strain.

As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of groin strain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.

Recovery Time

Recovery depends on the severity of the strain:

Grade 1: 2–3 weeks
Grade 2: 2–3 months
Grade 3: 4–6 months or longer

Fitness level and adherence to rehab also affect recovery. Avoid painful activities until fully healed.

How to Prevent a Groin Strain

Wear supportive, well-fitting footwear
Do regular thigh and groin strengthening exercises
Warm up before strenuous activity
Increase exercise intensity gradually

Takeaway

Groin strain is common in sports and physical activity. Early diagnosis, rest, and proper treatment are key. Recovery time varies, so follow your doctor’s advice and avoid aggravating activities. Prolotherapy offers a promising, long-term solution for stubborn cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a groin strain or a hernia?

Groin strain usually causes pain with movement and tenderness in the inner thigh, while a hernia often presents as a bulge in the groin and may cause pain with coughing or lifting. A doctor can distinguish between the two.

Can I walk with a groin strain?

Mild strains may allow walking, but severe strains can make walking difficult or painful. Avoid activities that worsen pain and follow your doctor’s advice.

Is massage good for a groin strain?

Gentle massage can help with blood flow and healing, but avoid deep pressure or aggressive techniques on the injured area.

When should I see a doctor for groin strain?

If pain is severe, you cannot walk, or symptoms do not improve after a few days of home care, see a healthcare professional.

Can prolotherapy help with groin strain?

Yes, prolotherapy is a minimally invasive, regenerative treatment that can help heal groin strain and prevent recurrence, especially in chronic or stubborn cases.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

Don’t let groin strain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.

Get in Touch
Phone: +441234380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk

Our Clinic Locations
London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
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All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.

Author Bio

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating groin strain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with groin strain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.

He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.

Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.

Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile

References

Gilmore, J. (1998). GROIN PAIN IN THE SOCCER ATHLETE: FACT, FICTION, AND TREATMENT. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 17(4), 787–793. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70119-8
Serner, A., Weir, A., Tol, J. L., Thorborg, K., Roemer, F., Guermazi, A., Yamashiro, E., & Hölmich, P. (2017). Characteristics of acute groin injuries in the adductor muscles: A detailed MRI study in athletes. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 28(2), 667–676. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12936
Estwanik, J. J., Sloane, B., & Rosenberg, M. A. (1990). Groin Strain and Other Possible Causes of Groin Pain. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 18(2), 54–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/00913847.1990.11709972
Mudan, S., & Fajardo-Puerta, A. B. (2013). Swollen and/or Painful Groin. Problem Based Urology, 21–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4634-6_3
Brannigan, A. E., Kerin, M. J., & McEntee, G. P. (2000). Gilmore’s Groin Repair in Athletes. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 30(6), 329–332. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2000.30.6.329
King, E., Ward, J., Small, L., Falvey, E., & Franklyn-Miller, A. (2015). Athletic groin pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical versus physical therapy rehabilitation outcomes. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(22), 1447–1451. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-093715

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.

Groin Strain