Réhabital
Groin Pain and Adductor Strain
Groin pain has a reputation for being difficult because several structures can be responsible: adductors, pubic symphysis, hip, psoas or abdominal wall. In Côte Saint-Luc we start by pinpointing the source, then apply a progressive loading programme — the only strategy that durably reduces recurrence in athletes.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
In athletes, groin pain is most often adductor-related: adductor longus is involved in the majority of cases, typically during a cut, a tackle or a shot. Pain sits at the pubic insertion or along the inner thigh and is reproduced with resisted contraction. Other pictures exist: pubic-related pain (osteitis or symphysis dysfunction), iliopsoas-related pain, inguinal pain from the abdominal wall, and hip-joint pain — femoroacetabular impingement or labral injury — which gives deep C-sign pain around the hip with restricted internal rotation. Distinguishing these completely changes the programme. Chronic groin pain, often months old in soccer and hockey players, responds well to progressive Copenhagen-style adductor strengthening combined with abdominal and glute work.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Cutting and shooting
Explosive lateral movements load the adductors heavily in eccentric mode, especially in soccer and hockey.
Adduction strength deficit
A low adductor-to-abductor strength ratio is a well-documented risk factor for groin injury.
Rapid load increase
An intense return after a break, or a training camp, often precedes symptom onset.
Limited hip mobility
Restricted internal rotation forces the pelvis and pubic region to compensate, increasing stress.
Poor lumbopelvic control
Weak deep abdominals and glutes unbalance the forces around the pubic symphysis.
Our Treatment Approach
Assessment begins with palpation, resisted contraction and hip mobility tests to distinguish adductor, pubic, iliopsoas, inguinal or hip-joint origin. In the acute phase we reduce load without stopping entirely and introduce pain-free adduction isometrics. The programme then progresses to concentric and eccentric strengthening — the Copenhagen adduction exercise is central — alongside abdominal, glute and lumbopelvic control work. Hip mobility is addressed in parallel with manual therapy and osteopathy, particularly when internal rotation is limited. Return to sport follows a progression of running, change of direction, then sport-specific movements. When the picture suggests labral injury, sports hernia or bone pathology, we recommend medical assessment and imaging.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 60 minutes: identifying the source, strength testing and starting the programme. A mild adductor strain rehabilitates in two to four weeks; chronic groin pain often needs eight to twelve weeks of structured loading.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Keep training below the pain threshold rather than stopping completely.
- Do adduction isometrics daily in the early phase.
- Introduce Copenhagen adduction gradually, two to three times a week.
- Work on hip mobility, especially internal rotation.
- Avoid abrupt increases in sprint and cutting volume.
- Keep strengthening in-season as prevention.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
A mild adductor strain heals in two to four weeks. Chronic groin pain improves in most athletes within eight to twelve weeks with a well-followed progressive loading programme. Maintaining the exercises in-season markedly lowers recurrence.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Book as soon as groin pain limits your movement or lasts more than two weeks. Seek medical assessment for night pain, fever, inguinal pain with a lump, or a locking hip.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, physiotherapy and osteopathy work together on groin pain: progressive loading restores muscle capacity while manual work frees the hip mobility that sustains the stress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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