Does return-to-sport programme treat groin strain?

A groin strain commonly affects the adductor muscles on the inner thigh. Rehabilitation begins with comfortable daily movement and controlled muscle work, then progresses to strengthening against resistance. Later steps may include jogging, acceleration, deceleration, lateral movement, kicking, and change-of-direction drills. The correct pace depends on pain, strength, the injury's severity, and the demands of your sport. A programme manages recovery; it does not make an injured muscle ready before it has regained capacity.

Use symptoms during and after exercise to guide progression. Keep loads at a level that does not cause a clear flare, and increase one demand at a time. Your physiotherapist may compare inner-thigh strength between sides, assess running and cutting mechanics, and add sport-specific drills. Warm up before training, avoid sudden spikes in sprinting or kicking, and return to full practice before competitive play when your clinician considers the tasks tolerated.

Arrange prompt assessment for a pop with bruising, substantial swelling, inability to walk normally, a visible defect, or pain that is worsening rather than settling. Seek care for groin pain with fever, abdominal symptoms, testicular pain, or a new lump. These features can point beyond a straightforward muscle strain.

Ask which adductor exercises are suitable now, how to judge a safe increase in running or kicking, and which tests you must pass before full training. Discuss whether hip, abdominal, or lower-back factors could be adding load to the groin.