Groin Injuries

Cause

Injuries to the groin and thigh muscles are prevalent in sports requiring rapid movements and sudden changes in direction. Specific conditioning for this type of sport is essential to the prevention of injuries. Few people have strong groin muscles and so this area is predisposed to injury. You can use the same exercises both to rehabilitate groin muscles.

Treatment

The procedure for dealing with groin strains is similar to that for other muscle injuries

Periodically ice massage the injured area for several days.
Rest the area for two to three days. When you return to activity, begin by walking and jogging. Gradually include running with changes of direction.
Running in the shallow end of a swimming pool will aid in your rehabilitation
Gradually increase the muscle flexibility of the area with groin stretching exercises:

Groin Stretch

Groin Stretcher #1

Groin Stretcher 1- Start in a seated position with heels together and close to the buttocks, knees apart. Push down on your knees until you feel a stretch in your groin. Hold the position for ten seconds. Relax, then repeat.

Groin Stretcher #2

Groin Stretcher 2 - Sit on the floor with your legs spread apart as wide as possible. Place your hands in front of you as far a possible until you feel a stretch in your groin and lower back.

Groin Stretcher #3

Groin Stretcher 3 - In a standing position, place one foot forward and one foot back, with legs spread well apart. Bend the forward knee and lean forward until you feel a stretch in the groin area of the leg that's in back. Switch legs and repeat.

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