Groin injuries are common in a number of sports. They can be particularly painful and you will need complete rest if you suffer from this type of injury. If you continue to work out with a groin injury you risk long term damage and further problems in the area.
Describing a Groin Injury
A groin injury is a tear in one of the muscles found at the crease of your inner thigh where your leg meets your torso. These tears are the result of overstretching or twisting the muscle during certain movements such as sudden changes in direction or side-stepping. This type of injury is known as a groin strain and is common in rugby and football players. You will immediately feel pain in the area if you are unlucky enough to receive a groin strain. This may be accompanied by swelling and bruising and you will be left with a dull ache for a few days.
Recovering from Groin Injury
If you are suffering from a groin injury, rest until you are able to move comfortably again. Take a break from your exercise routine and if you have a physically demanding job, think about having a few days off work. Although a groin injury should not affect your ability to complete tasks around the house or at work, take things slowly and be be careful not to stress or over use the area.
Recommended Exercises After a Groin Injury
When you are ready to exercise again following a groin strain it is best to take it gently. Always stop if you feel any pain or discomfort and remember that a small amount is better than doing too much and making the area uncomfortable. Swimming is especially good for those recovering from a groin strain and because it is a non-weight-bearing exercise that is gentle on the body. Try front crawl, small flutter kicks on your front or back or dolphin kick. Take care to avoid breaststroke to begin with as this is too intense on muscles you are trying to rehabilitate. Walking or gentle jogging are also good routes back into exercise following a groin injury. Take care to exercise on a flat surface to begin with to minimize the risk of stumbling or tripping.
Exercises to Avoid
Try to avoid any exercises which include explosive or uncontrolled movements as you risk damaging the weakened area further. These include sprinting, certain rugby, hockey and football drills and other forms of exercise such as aerobics. If you are a gym user, avoid the adductor machine until your groin has fully healed and introduce it back into your workout program slowly using little or no weight.
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