Groin Muscle Tear
A partial or more extensive tear in one or more of the adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh. The injury often occurs during sprinting, acceleration, changes of direction, powerful kicking, or when the leg is suddenly forced outward.
- •Sudden pain or a sharp sensation in the groin.
- •Tenderness over the adductor muscles.
- •Pain when bringing the leg inward or during running.
- •Mild reduction in adductor strength.
- •Walking is often relatively normal.
- •Little or no swelling or bruising.
- •Stop the activity that causes pain.
- •Reduce load and avoid sprinting, kicking and rapid changes of direction.
- •Gentle movement within a pain-free or nearly pain-free range can be beneficial.
- •Avoid aggressive stretching and deep massage during the acute phase.
- •Pain relief can be used if needed.
Begin with pain-controlled movement and light activation of the adductors.
Gradually increase strength loading.
Progress to running.
Add acceleration and deceleration.
Progress to changes of direction.
Finish with football-specific activities such as passing and shooting.
- Pain-free during daily activities.
- Full or nearly full range of motion.
- Pain-free loading of the adductors.
- Able to run without pain.
- Able to accelerate and decelerate without pain.
- Able to change direction without pain.
- Able to pass and shoot without pain.
- Able to complete full training without worsening during or after training.
The information in the Injury Center is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Groin Muscle Tear
A partial or more extensive tear in one or more of the adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh. The injury often occurs during sprinting, acceleration, changes of direction, powerful kicking, or when the leg is suddenly forced outward.
Mild — Cirka 2–3 veckor
Symptoms
- Sudden pain or a sharp sensation in the groin.
- Tenderness over the adductor muscles.
- Pain when bringing the leg inward or during running.
- Mild reduction in adductor strength.
- Walking is often relatively normal.
- Little or no swelling or bruising.
Acute Treatment
- Stop the activity that causes pain.
- Reduce load and avoid sprinting, kicking and rapid changes of direction.
- Gentle movement within a pain-free or nearly pain-free range can be beneficial.
- Avoid aggressive stretching and deep massage during the acute phase.
- Pain relief can be used if needed.
Rehabilitation
Begin with pain-controlled movement and light activation of the adductors.
Gradually increase strength loading.
Progress to running.
Add acceleration and deceleration.
Progress to changes of direction.
Finish with football-specific activities such as passing and shooting.
Return to Play
- ☐ Pain-free during daily activities.
- ☐ Full or nearly full range of motion.
- ☐ Pain-free loading of the adductors.
- ☐ Able to run without pain.
- ☐ Able to accelerate and decelerate without pain.
- ☐ Able to change direction without pain.
- ☐ Able to pass and shoot without pain.
- ☐ Able to complete full training without worsening during or after training.
Moderate — Cirka 3–6 veckor
Symptoms
- Clear and often sudden pain or a sharp sensation in the groin.
- Pain during sprinting, acceleration, kicking and changes of direction.
- Reduced adductor strength.
- Clear tenderness over the injured area.
- Swelling or bruising may occur.
- Reduced function and difficulty performing football movements.
Acute Treatment
- Stop the activity immediately.
- Reduce load on the area.
- Avoid sprinting, kicking, changes of direction and explosive movements.
- Avoid aggressive stretching and massage during the acute phase.
- Pain relief can be used if needed.
- Then begin gradual rehabilitation based on pain and function.
Rehabilitation
Pain-controlled movement and light activation.
Progressive strengthening of the adductors.
Gradually heavier adductor training.
Running with gradually increasing speed.
Acceleration and deceleration.
Changes of direction.
Football-specific training.
Full training before returning to matches.
Return to Play
- ☐ Pain-free palpation of the injured area.
- ☐ Full or nearly full range of motion.
- ☐ Restored adductor strength.
- ☐ Pain-free stretching.
- ☐ Able to run at high speed.
- ☐ Able to accelerate and decelerate.
- ☐ Able to perform rapid changes of direction.
- ☐ Able to jump and land without pain.
- ☐ Able to perform football-specific activities.
- ☐ Able to complete full training without worsening during or after training.
Severe — Cirka 8–12 veckor eller längre
Symptoms
- Severe and sudden pain in the groin.
- A clear sensation that something tore or gave way.
- Marked loss of strength.
- Difficulty running and sometimes difficulty walking normally.
- Significant swelling or bruising.
- May involve a larger or complete muscle tear.
Acute Treatment
- Stop the activity immediately.
- Reduce load on the area.
- Avoid stretching, massage and explosive movements.
- Use pain relief if needed.
- The injury should be assessed by a physiotherapist or other healthcare professional.
Rehabilitation
Protect and reduce load on the injured area during the acute phase.
Begin pain-controlled movement when appropriate.
Gradually restore range of motion and strength.
Progressive heavy strengthening of the adductors and core.
Gradual return to running.
Progress to sprinting, changes of direction, jumping and landing.
Football-specific training.
Full training before match play.
Return to Play
- ☐ Pain-free during daily activities.
- ☐ Full range of motion.
- ☐ Restored adductor strength.
- ☐ Pain-free maximal adductor loading.
- ☐ Able to sprint without pain.
- ☐ Able to accelerate and decelerate without pain.
- ☐ Able to perform rapid changes of direction.
- ☐ Able to jump and land without pain or apprehension.
- ☐ Able to complete full football training.
- ☐ No worsening or increased pain after training.
- ☐ For a larger tear, return to play should be assessed by a physiotherapist or doctor.
When to Seek Medical Care
- Seek medical care if the pain is severe, if walking is difficult, or if you felt a clear pop or tearing sensation.
- Also seek care if there is significant swelling or bruising, marked weakness, or if symptoms do not improve despite reduced load and rehabilitation.
- In children and adolescents, significant or persistent groin pain should be assessed because other injuries can cause similar symptoms.