Groin pain

Groin pain occurs regularly in athletes, mainly in footballers. Groin pain often remains a recurrent complaint if there have been (poorly treated) groin complaints in the past.

The anatomy around the hip is very complex. This often makes it difficult to find the exact cause of complaints in this region.

Different types of groin pain

To keep it clear and to make treatment as efficient as possible, groin pain is divided into three categories:

By using this division, groin complaints can be diagnosed and then treated better.

The pain location is an important aspect in making the right diagnosis. The physiotherapist can examine by means of "palpation" (feeling) which structure is the cause. This is also possible if the patient has had groin pain for a long time. The so-called "groin triangle" plays an important role in this.

Groin pain Pain location Provocation
Adductor-related Inner side of the thigh Kicking, running, change of direction
Abdominal wall-related High in the groin Sit-ups, kicking, sprinting
Iliopsoas-related Front of the thigh Kicking
Pubic bone-related Pubic bone in the crotch Kicking, running, sit-ups, sprinting, change of direction

Groin pain arises from overuse and is often present for a long time. Because muscles start to take over each others function, over time there can be overlap in the classification described above.

Pain in the groin can also be caused by problems in the hip; this must always be ruled out first. A common condition that causes groin pain is, for example, hip osteoarthritis.

Self-check for groin pain

Below you can do a self-check for groin pain. Go through the check and indicate what kind of groin complaints you have. Then see which type of groin complaints you match most with.

Exercises for groin pain

There are various exercises you can do to prevent or relieve groin pain. A well-composed exercise programme consists of, among other things:

  • (Eccentric) strength training of the hip adductors.
  • Stretching exercises.
  • General exercises for the gluteal muscles, leg muscles, and core muscles.

When starting the exercises, it is important to progress slowly. That is why we have put together an exercise programme with groin pain exercises. The exercises in this programme have been specially put together by a physiotherapist to relieve groin pain.

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