Groin Pain

Groin pain is a common discomfort in active individuals and athletes, particularly in sports involving running, directional changes, kicking, or repetitive hip movements. Although patients often identify the pain at a specific point, in most cases, the actual origin is multifactorial and can involve various structures of the pelvis and hip. 

The inguinal region acts as a connecting point between the trunk and the lower limb, meaning that any alteration in mobility, stability, or muscular coordination can lead to overload in this area.

Groin pain is not always located where it is felt

A key characteristic of this type of pathology is that the pain does not always coincide with the structure originating it. Often, there is a compensation between different muscle chains that ultimately manifests in the groin as an area of mechanical stress.

Possible origins of groin pain

Anterior chain (quadriceps and hip flexors)

Another common cause is overloading of the anterior thigh musculature, especially the hip flexors and the quadriceps. These muscles insert near the inguinal region and can generate pain due to excessive tension, lack of mobility, or sudden increases in physical load. 

Posterior chain and gluteals

The gluteal musculature is key to hip stability. When its activation is insufficient or inefficient, the body compensates by increasing the workload of other structures, which can lead to an overload in the inguinal region.

Physiotherapy treatment approach

The management of groin pain must be comprehensive, identifying not only the painful area but also the underlying factors contributing to the overload. 

• Manual therapy

Manual therapy techniques are used to improve the mobility of the hip, pelvis, and the involved muscular structures, reducing restrictions and restoring normal movement. 

• Dry needling

In cases where muscular hyperactivity or myofascial trigger points are present in the adductors, hip flexors, or associated musculature, dry needling can help reduce muscle tone and improve overall function.

• Invasive therapy

When indicated, invasive physiotherapy techniques such as percutaneous electrolysis or neuromodulation can be employed—always following a precise clinical assessment—to modulate pain and improve the tissue quality of the affected area. 

• Radiofrequency therapy

Radiofrequency therapy can be used as an adjunct treatment to promote circulation, enhance tissue elasticity, and support the recovery of overloaded tissues.