Groin Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

Groin pain - discomfort in the area where your abdomen meets your thigh - can significantly impact your daily life and activities. This complex condition affects the region where several muscle groups, tendons, and joints converge, making accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment essential for recovery.

Statistics show that groin pain affects up to 20% of athletes and is increasingly recognized as a common concern in non-athletic populations as well. While particularly prevalent in sports requiring quick directional changes or repetitive movements, groin pain can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or activity level. The condition often involves multiple contributing factors, which is why pelvic floor physical therapy's comprehensive approach is particularly effective in addressing both primary symptoms and underlying causes.

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we understand that groin pain can be frustrating and limiting. Our specialized approach combines advanced manual therapy techniques with targeted exercise programming to address not just the immediate pain, but also the underlying movement patterns and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Symptoms

Groin pain manifests differently for each person, but certain patterns and symptoms are commonly reported. Understanding these symptoms can help you identify when to seek professional help:

Primary symptoms often include:

• Deep aching or sharp pain in the inner thigh region that may worsen with specific movements or activities
• Discomfort that increases during activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a car
• Pain that may radiate into the lower abdomen, hip, or pelvic area, creating a complex pattern of discomfort

Secondary symptoms that frequently accompany groin pain:

• Muscle weakness or fatigue in the affected area, particularly noticeable during extended activity
• Decreased flexibility and range of motion in the hip and groin region
• Possible clicking or catching sensations during movement
• Pain that intensifies with prolonged sitting or standing positions

Causes

Understanding the various causes of groin pain helps in developing an effective treatment approach. Common contributing factors include:

Physical Factors:

• Muscle strains or tears, particularly affecting the adductor muscle group
• Sports-related injuries from sudden directional changes or overuse
• Hip joint problems, including labral tears or early arthritis
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction that affects the surrounding muscular system

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors:

• Postural imbalances from prolonged sitting or repetitive movements
• Pregnancy and postpartum-related changes to the pelvic region
• Previous surgeries or injuries that have altered movement patterns
• Compensatory movements developed in response to other injuries

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, our approach to treating groin pain is comprehensive and individualized. We understand that successful treatment requires addressing both the immediate symptoms and the underlying factors contributing to your pain.

Our treatment process begins with a thorough evaluation to understand your specific condition and goals. This assessment includes:

• Detailed movement analysis to identify problematic patterns
• Evaluation of muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination
• Assessment of pelvic floor muscle function and its relationship to your symptoms
• Review of daily activities and how they might impact your condition

Based on this evaluation, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Manual therapy techniques to address muscle tension and restricted tissues
• Targeted exercises to improve strength and movement control
• Specific pelvic floor muscle training when appropriate
• Activity modification strategies to support healing while maintaining function

Treatment Approach at Mendwell Pelvic Health

Our evidence-based approach to treating groin pain combines specialized pelvic health expertise with comprehensive physical therapy techniques. At Mendwell, each treatment plan is customized to address your specific symptoms and goals, whether you're an athlete looking to return to competition or someone seeking relief from daily discomfort.

Your personalized treatment journey includes:

Comprehensive Initial Assessment
We begin with a thorough evaluation that examines not just the groin area, but your entire movement system. This includes analyzing:

• Walking and movement patterns that might contribute to pain
• Strength and flexibility of related muscle groups
• Pelvic floor muscle function and coordination
• Impact of daily activities on your symptoms
• Previous treatments and their effectiveness

Manual Therapy Techniques
Our pelvic health specialists employ various hands-on treatments, including:

• Soft tissue mobilization to release tight muscles and fascia
• Joint mobilization techniques when appropriate
• Trigger point release to address specific areas of tension
• Myofascial release to improve tissue mobility
• Visceral manipulation when indicated

Targeted Exercise Progression
We develop customized exercise programs that:

• Build strength in weakened muscles gradually and safely
• Improve flexibility without aggravating symptoms
• Enhance movement control and coordination
• Address any contributing pelvic floor dysfunction
• Support return to specific activities or sports

Education and Self-Management Strategies
We empower you with:

• Understanding of your condition and contributing factors
• Specific techniques for pain management
• Activity modifications to support healing
• Strategies for preventing future episodes
• Home exercise program instruction

When to Seek Treatment

Early intervention often leads to better outcomes with groin pain. Consider scheduling an evaluation with a pelvic health specialist if you experience:

• Pain that persists beyond a few days
• Recurring discomfort, even if it comes and goes
• Difficulty with daily activities or exercise
• Pain that affects your sleep or quality of life
• Symptoms that don't improve with rest

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes pelvic floor physical therapy different from regular physical therapy for groin pain?
‍Pelvic floor physical therapists have specialized training in treating conditions affecting the pelvic region. This expertise allows us to address both external muscles and internal pelvic floor dysfunction that may contribute to groin pain, providing a more comprehensive treatment approach.

Is it normal for groin pain to affect other areas of my body?
‍Yes, due to the interconnected nature of the pelvis and lower body, groin pain can often affect or be affected by other areas. This is why our treatment approach considers the whole body, not just the painful area.

How many sessions will I need to see improvement?
‍While each case is unique, many patients begin to notice improvement within 4-6 sessions. Your pelvic health specialist will provide a more specific timeline based on your evaluation findings and individual factors. We regularly reassess progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Can I continue my regular activities during treatment?
‍Your pelvic health specialist will provide specific guidance based on your condition. Often, we can modify activities rather than eliminate them completely, helping you stay active while supporting your recovery process.

Is pelvic floor physical therapy appropriate if I've already tried other treatments?
‍Yes. Our comprehensive approach often helps patients who haven't found relief through other treatments. We evaluate and address aspects of groin pain that may have been overlooked, including the relationship between pelvic floor function and groin discomfort.