You’re showing up, pushing through, and trying to stay consistent, but something in your hip area just won’t cooperate. That nagging pull, ache, or sharp jolt in your groin muscle might be the real reason your workouts feel harder, slower, or downright painful.
You’re not lazy. You’re not out of shape. You might just be fighting against an injury that needs attention before it becomes a long-term setback.
We see it all the time at the clinic:
• Runners with lingering groin tightness
• Lifters losing power in their squats
• Weekend warriors who feel “off” every time they twist or pivot
If your groin muscle isn’t firing right, your entire chain of movement gets thrown off. Let’s dig into how this muscle works, why it fails you, and what you can do to finally move better again.
Groin Muscle Strains and Finding Relief with Sports Physical Therapy
Groin pain can sneak up on you—one sharp twist, an awkward lunge, or even a sudden sprint during your morning hike at Estrella Mountain. As a sports physical therapist in Goodyear, I’ve helped plenty of active adults and athletes manage groin injuries and get back to their favorite sports without constant pain or setbacks.
What a Groin Muscle Strain Really Feels Like
That sudden pain in your groin area might feel like a quick pull, a lingering ache, or even a deep burning sensation when you move. Many people describe it as:
• Pain that worsens with quick changes in direction
• Discomfort when pressing into the inner thigh or hip
• Stiffness or swelling near the pelvis or abdominal muscles
When you play sports like soccer, pickleball at Goodyear Recreation Campus, or go for a run on the Loop 303 Trail, a strained muscle can quickly cut your activity short.
What Causes Groin Injuries During Sports Activity?
Your groin is supported by six muscles, mainly the hip adductors, which help stabilize your pelvis and assist in moving your leg inward. A groin pull happens when one or more of these muscle fibers get overstretched or torn.
The most common cause? Forceful movements that overstretch or overload the adductor muscles. That includes:
• Sprinting or cutting movements during football or soccer
• Lifting too much weight too soon
• A slip or fall that jerks the hip joint
Other injuries, like an inguinal hernia or even testicular torsion, can sometimes mimic the symptoms. That’s why a physical exam and, in some cases, imaging tests are crucial for getting the right diagnosis.
Managing Groin Muscle Strains Without Losing Strength
The best treatment depends on how severe the strain is. For mild injuries, we may focus on:
• Applying ice to reduce swelling
• Gentle mobility work for surrounding muscle groups
• Active rest—where you still move but avoid high-intensity loads
In more severe cases, you may have a partial tear or signs of a sports hernia. That calls for:
• Targeted blood flow strategies like blood flow restriction training
• Manual therapy to reduce inflammation and fluid buildup
• Strength progression to restore function and reduce future risk
Let’s keep your workouts pain-free, your hips mobile, and your core stronger than ever. You don’t need to sit this season out. We’ve got your recovery covered.
Speak with a PT to find out more how we can help. Get in touch today!
How Sports Physical Therapy Helps You Heal
As a sports PT, I guide you through every stage of healing—from the first moment you feel pain to the final sprint when you’re ready to compete again. We’ll assess:
• Core stability and how your abdominal muscles support the pelvis
• Hip strength and flexibility, especially the hip adductors
• Muscle imbalances or movement patterns that increase risk
Then we build a customized plan with:
• Manual therapy to reduce inflammation
• Strength and neuromuscular re-education for surrounding muscles
• Sport-specific return-to-play drills so you’re confident on the field again
When Pain Persists: What Else Could Be Going On?
If you’re feeling intense pain that doesn’t go away with rest or movement, we may be dealing with:
• A deeper tear in the muscle or tendons
• A sports hernia involving the abdominal wall
• Chronic inflammation from repeat strain
Some cases need surgical consults, but many respond well to focused physical therapy that strengthens the injured area and improves mechanics.
Keep Competing Without Groin Muscle Pain
Whether you’re prepping for the Goodyear Lakeside Triathlon or playing adult league softball at Falcon Park, your body should support you—not slow you down. Groin injuries are common, but they’re treatable when we address them early and with the right tools.
Let’s keep your workouts pain-free, your hips mobile, and your core stronger than ever. You don’t need to sit this season out. We’ve got your recovery covered.
Speak with a PT to find out more how we can help. Get in touch today!
