Groin Strain Treatment in Burwood — Expert Physiotherapy
Groin strains are a common yet often mismanaged injury, accounting for 10–18% of all sports injuries in kicking sports such as football, soccer, and AFL. Without proper diagnosis and rehabilitation, groin strains frequently become chronic and recurrent. At Burwood Physio, we provide accurate diagnosis and a structured, evidence-based programme that gets athletes back to full training with significantly reduced re-injury risk.
Anatomy and Classification
The “groin” encompasses several structures, and accurate identification of the injured structure determines treatment. The adductor longus — the most commonly strained muscle — originates from the pubic bone and is vulnerable during rapid change-of-direction and kicking. Other structures include adductor brevis, adductor magnus, gracilis, pectineus, and the iliopsoas. Injuries are graded I (mild, no structural loss), II (moderate, partial tear), or III (complete rupture, rare).
Osteitis pubis (pubic bone stress reaction) and sports hernia (athletic pubalgia) must also be excluded in any groin presentation, particularly in high-load athletes. Our physiotherapists are trained to differentiate these conditions.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Acute groin strain: sharp pain in the inner thigh during kicking or rapid acceleration, pain on resisted hip adduction, localised tenderness over the adductor origin at the pubic ramus, possible bruising tracking down the inner thigh. Chronic cases present with a dull ache that worsens with activity, stiffness after rest, and reduced explosive power.
Our assessment includes the Copenhagen Adductor test, Squeeze test at various hip angles (0°, 45°, 90°), hip range-of-motion assessment, and screening for lumbar and sacroiliac joint contributions. Ultrasound referral is arranged where a partial or complete tear is suspected.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Acute phase: relative rest, ice, compression, and gentle pain-free range-of-motion exercises. Dry needling to the adductor muscle belly reduces pain and hypertonicity in the acute-to-subacute phase. Soft tissue techniques (transverse friction massage, myofascial release) promote healthy scar tissue formation at the adductor origin.
Progressive loading: the Copenhagen Adductor Exercise — the highest-evidence intervention for adductor strengthening and groin injury prevention — is introduced progressively from supine hip adduction through to the full side-lying Copenhagen exercise. Hip flexion, extension, and rotator strengthening address the broader hip complex, which is critical for reducing adductor load during kicking and change-of-direction.
Sport-specific return: we use validated return-to-sport criteria including the Adductor Squeeze Test force, functional hop testing, and sport-specific movement assessment before clearing athletes for full training. Athletes who return without meeting these benchmarks have a 3–5 times higher re-injury rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a groin strain take to heal?
Grade I: 1–3 weeks. Grade II: 4–8 weeks. Grade III: 8–16 weeks or longer. Chronic/recurrent groin pain may require 12+ weeks of structured rehabilitation.
Should I stretch my groin?
Not in the acute phase — aggressive stretching can worsen structural damage. Gentle pain-free range-of-motion work is appropriate early, with progressive stretching introduced once the acute phase resolves. Your physiotherapist will guide this.
Can I play sport through a groin strain?
Playing through an acute Grade II groin strain significantly increases the risk of a complete tear and chronic pain. Early treatment and a structured return-to-sport programme is strongly recommended.
Book Your Assessment Today
Burwood Physio offers same-week appointments, HICAPS on-site, and experience managing groin injuries at all levels from recreational to elite sport. Located near Burwood Station, we serve athletes from Strathfield, Concord, Homebush, and the Inner West. Call 02 8322 9022 or book online.
Clinically reviewed by the Burwood Physio team. References: Mosler AB, et al. Which factors differentiate athletes with hip/groin pain from those without? Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(4):233–238.