Groin Strain
A groin strain is a tear of the muscles on the inner thigh, usually from kicking, twisting or changing direction. We grade the strain and guide a graded recovery restoring strength and a safe return to sport at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
A groin strain is a tear of the adductor muscles on the inner thigh, usually felt as a sudden pain during kicking, twisting, changing direction or sprinting. It's common in football, rugby, hockey and racket sports, and like other muscle strains, it recurs easily if not managed well.
At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we grade your strain, settle the pain, and guide a graded, progressive recovery that rebuilds the muscle and returns you to sport safely — so it doesn't keep tearing.

What You Feel
- Sudden pain or a 'pulling' sensation in the inner thigh
- Pain when kicking, twisting or changing direction
- Tenderness along the inner thigh muscles
- Pain when squeezing the legs together
- Tightness and reduced movement in the hip
- Bruising in the inner thigh in more significant tears
- Pain when stretching the groin
- Weakness when bringing the leg inward against resistance
Common Causes
- Kicking in football or rugby
- Sudden changes of direction in sport
- Twisting movements under load
- Sudden acceleration or sprinting
- Inadequate warm-up before activity
- Returning to sport too quickly after a previous strain
- Weakness in the adductor and core muscles
- Poor hip mobility and movement control
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Groin strains affect footballers, rugby players, hockey and racket-sport players, and martial artists — anyone whose sport involves kicking, twisting or sharp changes of direction. We help with fresh strains and recurrent groin problems.
If you felt a sudden pain in your inner thigh during sport, or your groin keeps straining when you kick or change direction, we'll grade the strain and build a safe, progressive recovery.
Struggling with Groin Strain?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment grades your groin strain and screens for related problems such as a hernia or hip joint issues. We palpate the adductors, test them against resistance, assess your hip mobility and core control, and review how the injury happened.
Grading matters because it shapes your recovery timeline and when you can safely return to sport. We'll explain your grade and plan clearly.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to grade the strain and screen for related problems
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain, swelling and tightness
- Gentle mobility and progressive adductor loading
- Targeted strengthening of the adductors, hips and core
- Advice on loading, warm-up and return to sport
- A graded return to kicking, running and sport
Expected Recovery
Recovery depends on the grade. Mild strains settle within 2–4 weeks, moderate strains within 4–8 weeks, and significant tears over 8–12 weeks or more. Groin strains recur easily, so a graded, progressive programme matters.
Rushing back is the leading cause of re-injury — which is why we rebuild strength and test your readiness before clearing sport. Most people return fully and stop the cycle of repeated strains with the right rehab.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Groin Strain Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Accurate Grading
We grade your strain precisely so your recovery timeline is based on real severity — and you don't return to sport too soon or too late.
Stop Recurrent Strains
Groin strains recur easily. We rebuild the muscle properly before sport, breaking the cycle of repeated tears.
Hernia Screening
We screen for hernias and hip problems that can mimic groin strain, ensuring the diagnosis is right and you're in the right place for your care.
Return-to-Sport Testing
Before you play, we test your strength and sport-specific capacity so you return genuinely ready and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Same Physio Every Time
Continuity of care with a physio who knows your groin, your injury and your sport throughout your recovery.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside — important when moving is uncomfortable.
Related Conditions We Treat

Hamstring Strain
A hamstring strain is a tear of the muscles at the back of the thigh, usually from sprinting or sudden acceleration. We grade the strain and guide a graded recovery restoring strength and a safe return to running at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Hip Pain
Hip pain can come from the joint, the tendons, the muscles or the back — and the right treatment depends on the exact source. We assess precisely and rebuild strong, pain-free hip movement at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Running Injuries
Running injuries affect the knee, hip, leg and foot, usually from training errors or biomechanics. We assess the cause and guide a graded return to pain-free running at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries range from acute strains and sprains to overuse problems. We assess the injury and guide a graded return to sport safely at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services

Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
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Sports Physio
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a dedicated athlete, or someone who simply loves staying active, sports injuries can be incredibly frustrating. Our specialist sports physiotherapy service is designed to help you recover fully, safely, and as quickly as possible.
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Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise rehabilitation is the structured, progressive programme that rebuilds your strength, movement and confidence after injury or surgery — turning short-term relief into lasting recovery, guided by physiotherapists at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.

