The hip flexor muscles act together to lift the thigh up and forward when walking, running or kicking. A muscle strain causes tearing of muscle fibers and can be mild--leading only to achiness--or severe--leading to a complete rupture of the muscle. Strained hip flexors occur most often in athletes involved in sports such as bicycle riding, soccer, martial arts and football. The strain is caused by a jerky overexertion of the muscle, especially if it is not properly warmed up. Symptoms include achiness, swelling and possibly bruising in the upper groin where the muscle meets the pelvis.
Ice
A muscle strain will almost always involve inflammation, pain and possibly internal bleeding. Ice is a great first option in treating a muscle strain. Ice helps by constricting blood vessels, which will slow inflammation and bleeding, according to Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Ice also helps reduce pain. Ice should never be applied directly to the skin as it can cause freezing. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it over the painful and swollen area for 20 minutes every few hours for the first three days. While it may be tempting to use heat on the injury, in the first 24 to 72 hours, heat will exacerbate the problem by increasing inflammation and bleeding.
Rest
Following a muscle strain, it is appropriate to rest the injured area. In the case of a hip flexor strain, avoid kicking, running or anything that aggravates the hip flexor muscles. Rest is a good idea for a day or two, but no more. Excessive rest will aggravate the problem by leading to muscle atrophy.
Medication
In addition to self-care measures, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can be helpful, according to the Mayo Clinic. These medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin, help treat a hip flexor injury by reducing inflammation and pain. If pain is severe and NSAIDs are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe a course of narcotic pain relievers.
Physical Therapy
After an injury, a physical therapist, in conjunction with the doctor, can help begin the rehabilitation process. A muscle that has been strained will likely require strengthening and stretching exercises. According to Stockton Athletic Training, strengthening of all of the hip musculature is important in restoring proper balance and function. Increasing flexibility of hamstrings, hip flexors and other muscles attached to the pelvis, through assisted stretching, will help reduce any stress on the system. When a muscle is strained, the healing process generally involves laying down scar tissue that, in the long run, will inhibit proper motion in the muscle. A physical therapist can manually help break up the adhesions or can use therapeutic ultrasound to accomplish the same thing.
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