Pelvis > Groin Pull

What is a Groin Pull?

The term "groin pull" has encompassed a lot of different diagnoses, one of which is the commonly classified "muscle pull in the groin area." But what particular muscle are we talking about? Typically, the muscle that most people injure in a groin pull is the adductor longus muscle, a long muscle on the inside of the thigh. If you are lying flat on your back with your feet spread apart, the adductor muscle is used to bring each leg toward the other. A groin pull occurs when the thighbone or leg is pulled out, causing the leg muscle to over-stretch. The tear or pull usually occurs either at the junction of the tendon and the muscle, which is located about three inches below the pelvis, or at the junction of the tendon and the pelvic bone itself. There are three grades of groin pulls:

   Grade 1 – Minimal tear of muscle fibers with soreness.

   Grade 2 – Substantial tearing of fibers with some loss of mobility, swelling, and possibly bruising.

   Grade 3 – Severe tear of the muscle with significant swelling and loss of mobility, as well as possible bruising. This type of tear can be very painful and make walking difficult.

Most groin injuries are the result of side-to-side motions, quick accelerations and decelerations and sudden directional changes. You occasionally hear about sprinters with groin pulls, but typically they occur less often among "straight ahead" athletes and more often among "side-to-side" players, in sports such as soccer, hockey and basketball. The idea is that you have a tremendous mass in your upper body going in one direction while your legs are directing your body to do something different, be it stopping, starting or turning.

There are usually three parts to a medical evaluation: medical history, a physical examination, and tests that your doctor may order.

Your physician likely will ask about your activities, which may have caused your groin pull. You will probably be asked when the soreness or pain began. If you have had any prior groin pulls, your physician will ask about the treatments you have tried in the past. Physicians also typically ask about other conditions, such as diabetes and allergies, and medications currently being taken. You may also be asked about your physical and athletic goals – information that will help decide what treatment might be best for you in achieving those goals.

Your physician will feel around the area to determine where the pain is being generated and to what degree you are experiencing pain. You may also be asked the stretch the groin in order to help determine the extent of your injury.

There are no tests used to diagnose a groin pull.