What should you know about a pulled groin inner thigh muscle?

Adductors help draw the leg inward and stabilise the pelvis. They may be strained by a sudden change of direction, sliding movement, kick, sprint or unusually demanding exercise. Symptoms can include a sudden twinge, local tenderness, stiffness, weakness with squeezing and sometimes bruising. The amount of pain does not reveal the full extent of an injury.

A health professional can test gentle hip motion and resisted adduction, examine the abdomen and hip, and observe walking. Pain that persists at rest, spreads beyond the inner thigh or comes with tingling may need a broader assessment. See [Groin Pain](/symptoms/groin-pain/) for related symptom patterns.

In the early phase, avoid the action that caused the pain and keep activity within a comfortable range. Cold wrapped in cloth may reduce soreness after a recent injury. Do not massage deeply, stretch forcefully or test the muscle repeatedly when it is acutely painful. When walking and gentle hip movement are easier, begin a graded strengthening plan. [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/) can help build from controlled exercises toward normal activity.

A physiotherapist can adjust the load if symptoms rise later that day or the next morning. Sport-specific drills should come after basic strength and movement are comfortable.

Seek assessment if you cannot walk normally, notice substantial bruising or weakness, feel a pop, or have recurring pain after rest. Get urgent care for severe swelling, inability to bear weight, a groin lump that is painful, fever, or sudden testicular symptoms. These features require prompt evaluation rather than home rehabilitation alone.

Ask whether the adductor is the likely source, which exercises are suitable, how to judge improvement, and what tests should precede running or cutting. Explain the injury mechanism, exact tender spot, bruising and activities that reproduce the pain.