Pain in the groin or inner thigh that flares when you kick, sprint or change direction is one of the most common complaints in football codes. It is often adductor-related groin pain, an overload of the inner-thigh muscles and their tendons, and in the winter footy season it tends to climb.
Groin pain can be stubborn, and there is a lot of mixed advice about whether to rest it, run it off or push through. Here is what adductor-related groin pain actually is, what the evidence says helps, and when it is worth seeing a physio.
In this article
What is adductor-related groin pain?
Adductor-related groin pain is an overload problem of the adductor muscles and tendons, the inner-thigh muscles that pull your leg towards the midline and help control your leg when you kick, sprint and cut. It usually causes pain and tenderness in the groin or upper inner thigh, and it can make kicking, accelerating and changing direction sore.
It is one of the most common groin problems in football players, and it often builds gradually rather than from a single dramatic moment.
What causes groin pain in sport?
It is usually about load rather than a one-off injury. When the demand on the adductors outpaces what they are used to, the tissue becomes irritated and sensitive. Common contributors include a sudden jump in training or match load, lots of kicking and changing direction, returning to sport after a break, and not enough adductor and hip strength to handle the demand.
It is rarely one single factor. Training load, strength and recovery usually stack up together.
Should I just rest it?
Rest alone is often not the answer. While it makes sense to settle a very painful flare, the evidence points strongly towards active treatment.
Active beats passive
In a well-known randomised trial, athletes who followed an active programme of hip and abdominal strengthening were far more likely to return to sport without groin pain than those who received passive treatments such as massage, stretching and modalities.
In other words, resting until it feels better and then returning to full sport tends to leave the underlying capacity problem unaddressed, which is why groin pain so often comes back.
What actually helps groin pain?
The evidence favours active, exercise-based care. A typical plan includes:
- Progressive adductor and hip strengthening
- Core and abdominal control work
- Adjusting kicking and sprinting load for a period rather than stopping completely
- A staged return to running, kicking and match play
Many people improve with a structured programme tailored to their sport and goals.
How long does groin pain take to settle?
Groin pain often settles with a sensible loading plan, but timelines vary from person to person and depend on how long it has been going and how much load the sport demands. Sticking with a progressive strengthening plan and managing match load usually matters more than chasing a quick fix. A physio can help you judge progress and time your return.
When should you see a physio?
See a physio if your groin pain is limiting your training or matches, is not settling, or you want a clear plan to return safely. It is also worth getting assessed promptly if the pain came on suddenly with a sharp pull, there is significant bruising or weakness, or the pain is severe, as these may point to a more significant strain that needs a tailored plan.
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Helping You Perform at Your Best
At ACE Sports Medicine in Upper Mount Gravatt, our physiotherapists provide personalised care for groin pain and sports injuries across Brisbane's southside, from settling symptoms to a staged return to sport. Your first appointment includes an assessment and a starter plan so you know your next step.