Groin Strain or Something More? How to Know When to See a Physio
Groin Strain or Something More? How to Know When to See a Physio
That little pinch in your groin… It might’ve started after a run, a lift, or even just getting out of the car the wrong way. Maybe it felt like nothing at the time. But now it’s hanging around—and you’re starting to wonder: Is this just a groin strain? Or something more serious?
You’re not alone. At our physiotherapy clinic in Cairns, hip and groin issues are some of the most common injuries we see—especially in people who are active, aging, or somewhere in between.
Let’s look at what groin pain really means, when it might be more than a simple strain, and how seeing a sports physiotherapist could save you from weeks (or months) of nagging pain.
What Does a Groin Strain Feel Like?
A groin strain usually involves the muscles that run along the inside of your thigh. These muscles help with movements like walking, squatting, side-stepping, and turning.
You might feel:
A sharp twinge or pulling sensation
Pain when lifting your leg or walking
Stiffness or weakness, especially first thing in the morning
Tenderness in the inner thigh or groin area
These strains are common among people who play sports, lift weights, or move suddenly without warming up. The good news? Minor strains often settle with rest and gentle movement.
But here’s the catch—not all groin pain is “just a strain.”
When It Might Be Something More Serious
Sometimes groin pain is a sign of something deeper going on. Your hip joint, abdominal muscles, or even lower back can all refer pain to the groin area.
Here are some red flags that it might be time to check in with a physio:
❗ You feel pain when sitting, standing, or rolling over in bed
Pain that creeps into everyday movements could mean your joint or soft tissues are irritated or inflamed.
❗ There's a popping, snapping, or pinching sensation
That weird sensation might mean a labral tear, hip impingement, or tendon problem—not just a muscle issue.
❗ Your hip feels stiff or “stuck”
Reduced range of motion is often a sign your body isn’t moving well—and may be compensating in other areas.
❗ The pain hasn’t improved in over a week
If things aren’t settling or keep getting worse, your body might be asking for a little extra help.
How Our Physios Can Help You Move Again (Without the Guesswork)
At Proactive Physiotherapy, we take a detailed look at your movement, strength, and flexibility to figure out exactly what’s causing your hip and groin injury.
We’ll assess things like:
Hip rotation and joint mobility
Muscle strength and balance
Core control and pelvic alignment
Signs of inflammation or soft tissue strain
If it is just a groin strain, we’ll guide you through a safe recovery program with hands-on treatment and tailored exercises. And if it’s something more—like a hip joint issue or referred pain—we’ll build a treatment plan to target the real cause, not just the symptoms.
Don’t Let Groin Pain Linger
Whether it’s stopping you from running, playing sport, or even walking comfortably, groin pain isn’t something you need to just “put up with.” The earlier we catch it, the faster you can get back to doing what you love—without pain or hesitation.
