A groin pull or tear is commonly called a groin strain, and involves tearing of the small fibers of the hip adductor muscles. The adductor muscle group is made up of three muscles located along the inner thigh, which function to bring the leg inward toward the midline of the body. A strain is graded from 1 to 3, depending on its severity; treatment is relative to the grade of the strain. Most treatment protocols are designed to decrease pain, increase range of motion and increase strength, in that order.
RICE
Rest, ice, compression and elevation, or RICE, are common starters in most treatment protocols. In the case of a groin strain, the leg should be rested by keeping all activities pain-free. Aurora Health Care recommends applying an ice pack to the injury site for 15 to 20 minutes, four times per day, for several days post-injury. A compression sleeve or compression shorts can help prevent swelling during any activity, and elevating the injured leg whenever possible will also assist in swelling reduction.
Medications
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that aspirin and ibuprofen can be used to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Heat
Heat should not be used until the end of the acute, or initial, phase of recovery. Heat can be applied to the injury site before stretching or engaging in physical activity, notes Aurora Health Care. Surface heat can be applied with the use of hot packs, paraffin baths, infrared therapy and hydrotherapy, or water therapy. Deep tissue heat can be generated using electric currents and ultrasound, adds the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Stretching
To prevent further injury, the range of motion of the groin can be increased by performing stretches. Stretching can begin after the acute pain has subsided, and should be performed several times throughout the day. It is important to stay within pain limits while stretching, warns Aurora Health Care.
Strengthening
Adductor strengthening exercises can be introduced when the acute phase has completely ended. Examples of these types of exercises are straight leg raises, hip flexion, ball squeezes, slide board and step-ups.
