Groin: Definition and What it is
Medically and clinically reviewed by Jonathan Lee, MD and Dylan Peterson, PT, DPT
Groin Definition and Meaning
The groin is a general term for the area of the body that’s located between where the abdomen ends and the thigh begins. There is one on each side of the body. The groin area has muscles, ligaments, and tendons that are important for hip and leg movement and stability.
Common Groin Injuries and Conditions
Muscle strains, ligament sprains, hernias, and other conditions related to the urinary and reproductive systems, such as kidney stones, can lead to pain in the groin area. Pain can range from mild tenderness to severe pain that affects movement. The pain can be a sharp, shooting pain during movement or a dull ache at rest.
Groin Pain: A Hinge Health Perspective
The groin is very resilient and designed to recover from the kinds of issues that naturally can happen in the course of everyday activities or during exercise.
If you’re reluctant to move because you think you’ll cause more damage or injury to your groin area, know this: Movement is often the fastest way to healing. As our Hinge Health care team says, movement is medicine. Movement helps rehab the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that make up the groin by increasing blood flow to the area and gradually improving strength and flexibility.
How Physical Therapy Can Help With Groin Pain
Physical therapy can be helpful for managing and alleviating groin pain. A physical therapist (PT) will focus on strengthening the muscles in the groin and improving flexibility. A PT can also suggest targeted exercises and stretches to promote healing and prevent the recurrence of injuries. This not only helps in pain relief but also aids in enhancing the functional capabilities of the groin area, which are crucial for people with active lifestyles. You can see a physical therapist in person or use a program like Hinge Health to access a PT via telehealth/video visit.
How Hinge Health Can Help You
If you have joint or muscle pain that makes it hard to move, you can get the relief you’ve been looking for with Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program.
The best part: You don’t have to leave your home because our program is digital. That means you can easily get the care you need through our app, when and where it works for you.
Through our program, you’ll have access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition.
Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you. See if you qualify for Hinge Health and confirm free coverage through your employer or benefit plan here.
This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.
References
Morelli, V., & Smith, V. (2001). Groin Injuries in Athletes. American Family Physician, 64(8), 1405–1415. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2001/1015/p1405.html
Vasileios Mitrousias, Dimitrios Chytas, Konstantinos Banios, Apostolos Fyllos, Vasileios Raoulis, Georgios Chalatsis, Kyriaki Baxevanidou, & Aristeidis Zibis. (2023). Anatomy and Terminology of Groin Pain: Current Concepts. Journal of ISAKOS, 8(5), 381–386. doi:10.1016/j.jisako.2023.05.006