Category: Joint Pain

GROIN PAIN

26/2/2020

Do you Suffer from Groin Pain?

Although there are many causes of groin pain one of the most common is a groin strain. This is a layman’s term for a muscle strain of the adductor muscles. A strain can be soreness from unaccustomed exercise or due to damage to the muscle structure including the bony attachment and tendon⁽¹⁾.

For more information on muscle injury classification systems see our earlier blog, here:

https://www.peakmsk.com.au/blog/munich-beerhalls-and-muscles.

The muscles in your groin help bring your legs together, steady the ball in socket position of the hip joint and assist the hamstrings. The most common muscle that gets injured in a groin strain is the adductor longus⁽²⁾. A groin strain usually occurs with high-speed activities such as kicking, change of direction or sprinting. This suggests poor control of you lower body dynamics. That may be a skill or sport specific issue, but usually also includes the body's motor coordination system (motor control) and retraining this is paramount to re-injury prevention.

Groin Pain - Symptoms

• Groin pain and tenderness⁽²⁾

• Pain when stretching the painful leg out to the side⁽²⁾

• Pain when bringing the leg inwards (soccer kick motion) ⁽²⁾

• Difficulty standing, walking or running without groin pain⁽²⁾

Groin Pain - Treatment

After suffering a groin strain, you should immediately follow the P.E.A.C.E. protocol for the first 48 – 72 hrs which stands for protect, elevate, avoid anti-inflammatories, compression and education⁽³⁾. If walking hurts, it is wise to use crutches for a day or more.

Physiotherapy management following a groin strain aims to promote tissue healing, restore movement, maintain or improve pelvic stability, restore muscle balance, prevent further injury, and aid in return to sport⁽⁴⁾.

A graded pain-free rehabilitation program is essential in effectively healing the injured muscle and includes gentle and appropriate exercises to restore hip range of motion and strength⁽²⁾. Exercise is used to remodel the healing scar tissues so that the healing fibre tears are aligned in the direction of movement. This includes reforming and improving your motor control. Click on the link below for a video demonstration on some effective exercises to commence following a groin strain.

References
1. Mueller-Wohlfahrt, H.W., Haensel, L., Mithoefer, K., Ekstrand, J., English, B., McNally, S., Orchard, J., van Dijk, C.N., Kerkhoffs, G.M., Schamasch, P. & Blottner, D. (2013). Terminology and classification of muscle injuries in sport: the Munich consensus statement. Br J Sports Med, 47(6), 342-350.
2. Thorborg K, Reiman MP, Weir A, Kemp JL, Serner A, Mosler AB, HÖlmich P. Clinical Examination, Diagnostic Imaging, and Testing of Athletes With Groin Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach to Effective Management. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(4):239-249.
3. Dubios, B & Esculier, J. Soft tissue injuries simply need PEACE & LOVE. BMJ. 2019:Retrieved from https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2019/04/26/soft-tissue-injuries-simply-need-peace-love/
4. Haroy J, Clarsen B, Wiger EG, et al. The Adductor Strengthening Programme prevents groin problems among male football players: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2019;53:150-157.

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Joint Injuries and your Hampton Physiotherapist

18/5/2012

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Joint injuries are among the most common problems experienced by Peak MSK Physiotherapy clients. These injuries may result from trauma to the body part or from wear and tear to the joint as in the case of carpal tunnel or arthritis. Patients may also seek physiotherapy following surgical procedures. Hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, wrist and hand surgery are among the most common.

Before beginning treatment, we will perform a subjective assessment of the patient through interview, review of the your x-rays and doctor’s referral if necessary. An objective assessment follows to assess the extent of your problem and to formulate your treatment goals.

Once the assessment is over, you should ask questions and voice concerns. We will be able to alleviate any fears you may have and restore your confidence in the therapeutic process. Then we will formulate goals for post discharge together. These goals are measurable and functional. Work hardening programs and functional capacity evaluations may be undertaken if you plan to return to work.

In the case of a hip injury or injury of the lower extremity, treatment will focus on balance and coordination, and motor control. Strength training will also be undertaken as you improve and meet initial treatment goals.

If you problem has required surgery, then recovery for a hip patient is around six weeks, while knee patients may require about ten weeks. Independent activities of daily living like car transfers and driving are part of the program in most clinics.
Wrist and hand patients need about six weeks for recovery, but their treatment may center mainly on fine motor activities. Since the hand is such a complicated structure, physiotherapists are specially trained in this area. Range of motion, strength and fine motor tasks form the basis of treatment as well as splinting in some cases. By discharge you should feel confident to resume your prior activities.

Jayce Gilbert FACP is highly qualified to assess and rehabilitate you back to normal movement. Call us today to find out more on how we can help you on 03 9533 5305

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