Groin and Hip Pain by Emily Smyth

Groin and hip pain are common problems we see at InnerStrength of Bayside, whether it is an acute groin sprain from sport or chronic hip pain that has gradually come on over time. There are many different structures that may be causing hip pain, such as a muscle strain of the inner thigh muscles (adductors) to Hip Impingement. The key to an accurate diagnosis is your Physio having a good knowledge of the anatomy surrounding the hip and then doing a thorough assessment.

Inner thigh/groin pain (adductor pain) is an injury we would see relatively often in the clinic. There are a two key risk factors associated with adductor pain; a reduction in strength (adductors and hamstrings) in one leg and a reduction of hip rotation movement. These factors can pre-dispose a person to an injury in the hip or groin musculature. A strong clinical examination by your Physio is important. Research suggests that a clinical examination is sufficient to diagnose muscular hip pain and imaging such as an ultrasound is not warranted in the initial stages.

Diagnosing Hip Impingement requires a good Physio assessment and often an X-ray as well. Patients may complain of hip pain which has been present for more than three months and is often described as “wrapping around the hip”. In the clinic your Physio will do some special tests of your hip to see if they reproduce pain or your joint is tight.

Rehabilitation of hip pain is important to prevent reoccurrence. The key to a thorough rehabilitation is to strengthen any weak muscles around the hip, including your core, gluteals, quadriceps and calf muscles. In the initial stages treatment goals are to reduce pain, increase range of motion and improve strength. We will then progress onto functional lower limb strength. This is important in sports people or highly active people. It incorporates a graded return to sports/training with targeting hip muscle strength training

If you experience hip pain please contact us at InnerStrength of Bayside to book into a Physiotherapy Assessement. CLICK HERE to book online.