Groin strains are a frustrating and common injury for athletes in high-movement sports like soccer and lacrosse. These strains typically involve the adductor muscles—located along the inner thigh—which help stabilize the hips and control directional changes during quick, lateral movements.
In both sports, explosive actions like sprinting, cutting, and sudden changes in direction put repeated stress on the groin muscles. If those muscles aren’t properly conditioned or if the athlete’s biomechanics are off, the risk of strain increases dramatically. These injuries can range from mild overstretching to more serious partial tears, often leaving athletes sidelined for weeks if not treated correctly.
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Early signs include inner thigh tightness, sharp pain during movement, and difficulty with sprinting, kicking, or pivoting. For soccer and lacrosse players, even a minor groin injury can impact performance and confidence on the field. That’s why early intervention and a structured recovery plan are essential—not only for healing but for getting back to sport safely and stronger than before.
Common Causes and Risk Factors for Groin Injuries
Groin strains don’t happen randomly—they’re often the result of overlooked weaknesses or movement inefficiencies that build up over time. In soccer and lacrosse, where athletes rely heavily on cutting, sprinting, and kicking, certain patterns increase the likelihood of groin injuries.
Muscle imbalances are one of the leading causes. When the adductors are weak compared to surrounding muscles—like the glutes, hip flexors, or quads—they’re more likely to become overloaded during high-intensity movements. Poor core stability can also play a role, as a weak core forces the groin to compensate during rapid directional shifts.
Another major factor is insufficient warm-up or mobility work. Tight hips, stiff lower backs, or reduced range of motion in the inner thighs can limit an athlete’s ability to move efficiently. Without adequate mobility, the groin muscles are more prone to overstretching under stress.
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Finally, overuse and fatigue increase injury risk, especially during peak training seasons or tournament play. When athletes train or compete on tired muscles—without proper rest or recovery—the groin becomes a common site of breakdown.
Recognizing these risk factors is the first step toward prevention and informed treatment. It’s also where sports physical therapy comes in, offering individualized care to correct imbalances and rebuild strength.
How Sports Physical Therapy Supports a Safe Recovery
Recovering from a groin strain isn’t just about rest—it’s about actively restoring strength, flexibility, and function in a way that aligns with each athlete’s sport-specific needs. That’s exactly where sports physical therapy shines.
At The Mobile Athlete in Peachtree City, physical therapists take a customized approach to groin strain rehab. The process starts with a comprehensive movement assessment to identify what led to the injury in the first place—whether it’s a muscular imbalance, joint restriction, or faulty movement pattern.
From there, therapy focuses on three key phases:
- Pain management and inflammation control, often using manual therapy, targeted soft tissue work, and controlled mobility exercises.
- Progressive strength and stability training, targeting the adductors, hip rotators, glutes, and core.
- Return-to-play conditioning, which incorporates sport-specific drills that simulate real game movement—like decelerating, pivoting, and sprinting.
What sets sports physical therapy apart is the blend of recovery and performance. Athletes don’t just heal—they return to their sport with better movement mechanics and injury prevention strategies built into their routine.
READ: Sports Recovery: Physical Therapy for Peachtree City Athletes
Key Exercises and Techniques for Groin Rehab
Rehabilitation for groin strains is most effective when it’s progressive and personalized. At The Mobile Athlete, treatment plans are built around each athlete’s injury severity, movement deficits, and performance goals. But there are several foundational exercises and techniques commonly used in groin strain recovery.
Isometric adductor holds are often introduced early to restore neuromuscular control without aggravating the injury. These exercises gently activate the groin muscles while reducing pain and inflammation.
Side-lying leg lifts and adductor strengthening with resistance bands help rebuild targeted strength once the athlete can move without discomfort. These movements isolate the inner thigh while reinforcing core stability and pelvic alignment.
As recovery progresses, dynamic stability drills—like lateral lunges, Copenhagen planks, and single-leg balance work—prepare the athlete for higher-level activities. These exercises also help re-integrate hip and core coordination, which is essential for injury prevention.
Finally, return-to-sport drills simulate game-specific movement. Lacrosse players might work on lateral shuffles and sudden stops, while soccer players focus on kicking mechanics and cutting drills. The key is to bridge the gap between rehab and performance so athletes return fully prepared.
When to See a Sports Physical Therapist in Peachtree City
If you’re dealing with groin tightness, soreness, or lingering pain during play, don’t wait for it to turn into a bigger issue. Whether you're recovering from a recent strain or noticing signs of overuse, early intervention with a sports physical therapist can drastically shorten your recovery time and help you avoid reinjury.
Athletes in soccer and lacrosse are especially prone to groin issues due to the high demands placed on the hips and adductors. A sports physical therapist can assess your movement, uncover hidden imbalances, and create a recovery plan that fits your sport and schedule.
At The Mobile Athlete in Peachtree City, our team works one-on-one with athletes to get them back on the field faster, stronger, and more confident. Don’t settle for rest alone—take the next step in your recovery with expert support tailored to your goals.
Ready to get back in the game? Contact us today to start your recovery with performance-focused sports physical therapy.
