Pain and stiffness in the groin, due to overstretching muscles on the inside of the thigh. Groin strain is usually brought on by sudden exertion. To distinguish it from other ailments, attempt to bring the knee up to the stomach: this activates the strained muscles and intensifies the pain.

Prevention

The following yoga stretches provide good warm up exercises to be carried out before exercising and can greatly assist in preventing groin strain:

Stand with feet together, legs straight. Clasp hands behind your back and bend from the waist forward. Come up and repeat several times. In the same position, bend forward, then bend one knee slightly, straighten, then bend the other knee. Repeat several times. Place hands on the hips, spread legs apart to shoulder width, turn the right foot 90 degrees to the right and the left foot slightly inwards to the right. Keeping your body facing forward, move your trunk down towards the right leg. Hold for as long as is comfortable, then repeat on the other side. With the legs in the same position as above and hands on hips, bend your right knee so that the thigh is parallel to the floor and the back leg is fully extended. Hold for as long as is comfortable, then repeat on the other leg.

Treatment

Aromatherapy

Essential oil of sweet marjoram and rosemary help dull the pain: add 3 drops of each to a warm bath and soak in it.

Hydrotherapy

Immediately after the injury, place an ice pack on the affected area: wrap a packet of frozen peas in kitchen paper, and place on the muscle and repeat.

Professional Help

Massage, osteopathy or chiropractic will help.

Orthodox

Physiotherapy and rest is recommended.