How Long Does Sports Physiotherapy Take to Work for a Groin Strain?

A groin strain commonly affects the adductor muscles on the inner thigh, which help bring the leg inward and stabilise the pelvis. Pain can settle before the muscle has regained enough capacity for sprinting, kicking, or lateral movement. Treatment may begin with comfortable range-of-motion work and gentle contractions, then advance to resisted strengthening, running drills, and direction changes. The starting point depends on pain, strength, the injury mechanism, and whether hip or abdominal symptoms are also present.

Avoid sudden stretching or maximal kicking while symptoms are irritable. Complete the prescribed adductor and hip exercises consistently, keeping discomfort within the limits given by your physiotherapist. Progress only when walking, stairs, and the current exercise level remain settled later that day and the next morning. Return to sport through planned drills rather than a single full-intensity session, and report any renewed limp or sharp pain.

Seek prompt care for severe pain after a forceful event, inability to walk, major bruising or swelling, a palpable gap, numbness, or pain in the groin with abdominal or testicular symptoms. Arrange reassessment if pain persists at rest, repeatedly returns during simple activity, or fails to improve with the rehabilitation plan.

Ask which adductor exercises are suitable now, how much discomfort is acceptable, and what running or kicking tests should come next. Clarify whether the pain pattern suggests a muscle strain or another hip, pelvis, or abdominal problem, and how to adjust training while capacity returns.