Groin Soreness and Pain in the Groin: Physiotherapy Insight and Treatment in Sydney CBD

At City Physio & Pilates, groin pain is a condition we treat regularly… and one that’s commonly misunderstood. Whether you’re experiencing groin soreness, sharp pain in the groin, or ongoing discomfort that worsens with activity or prolonged sitting, this region requires a careful, experienced assessment.

Groin pain can be caused by several structures, including muscles, tendons, joints, and even referred pain from nearby areas like the low back, hip, or sacroiliac joint (SIJ). As a result, you need an experienced physiotherapist trained in looking for the source of the pain, not just where the pain is experienced!

Getting the diagnosis right is critical for recovery. That’s why we focus on detailed, movement-based assessment and targeted physiotherapy plans that address the source of your groin pain, not just the symptoms.

Common Causes of Groin Pain

Groin pain may stem from a variety of sources, and it often takes a skilled physiotherapist to pinpoint which one is responsible. Common causes include:

1. Hip Joint-Related Groin Pain

• Hip impingement (FAI) – where bone shapes in the hip joint irritate tissues during movement
• Labral tears – injury to the cartilage inside the hip joint
• Hip osteoarthritis – degenerative changes that cause pain deep in the groin or front of the hip

2. Muscle and Tendon Injuries

• Adductor strain or tendinopathy – often from sport-related overuse or sudden direction changes
• Iliopsoas tendinopathy – pain at the front of the hip or groin, aggravated by lifting or prolonged sitting
• Rectus abdominis strain – especially in twisting or high-load core activities

3. Referred Pain from the Lumbar Spine or SIJ

• Lower back injuries or disc bulges can cause nerve referral into the groin region
• SIJ dysfunction can also create deep aching pain in the groin, especially with sitting, walking, or getting out of a car. It can also cause gripping in the front of the hip which can present like hip or groin pain… but isnt!

In some cases, these sources may co-exist, creating a complex pain presentation that requires experienced clinical reasoning.

The Anatomy of the Groin Region

The groin area includes a dense network of muscles, ligaments, and joints. Muscles commonly involved in groin injuries include:

• Adductors (longus, brevis, magnus, gracilis) – bring the legs toward midline
• Iliopsoas – a deep hip flexor critical for walking and postural control
• Rectus femoris – a quad muscle that also crosses the hip joint
• Abdominals – particularly the lower fibres of rectus abdominis and obliques

These structures can be overloaded with sudden increases in training, poor biomechanics, or lack of stability through the trunk and pelvis. At City Physio, we don’t just look at the painful structure—we investigate why it became painful in the first place.

Physiotherapy Assessment and Diagnosis

Accurately diagnosing groin pain requires:

• A detailed history (onset, type of pain, aggravating factors, sports, exercise, pregnancy and childbirth, hypermobility history, family history and general health)
• Functional movement testing to identify load tolerance and imbalances or asymmetries
• Specific tests for hip joint, SIJ, lumbar spine, and soft tissue contributions
• Assessment of movement patterns, pelvic control, and trunk strength

Our experienced physios use their trained clinical eye to identify the small details that can often go unnoticed. We understand the subtle differences between a tendon issue versus joint referral or nerve involvement and will work to tailor your treatment and rehab specific to your needs.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Options

Your physiotherapy plan will depend on the underlying cause of your groin soreness or pain. At City Physio & Pilates, treatment options may include:

• Manual therapy to address joint stiffness, muscle tension or imbalances
• Soft tissue release and dry needling for tight or overactive muscles
• Muscle retraining and rehab exercises, with a focus on the adductors, glutes, hip flexors, and core
• Pilates-based rehab to improve pelvic control and movement integration
• Load management strategies and return-to-sport protocols

Education plays a central role in our care—helping you understand your condition, avoid aggravating movements, and recover confidently.

Why Choose City Physio & Pilates in Sydney CBD?

Groin pain requires nuanced clinical assessment and personalised rehab. Our physiotherapists are highly experienced in managing complex groin presentations, including sporting injuries, postural overload, and joint referrals.

We offer:

• One-on-one, 30-minute sessions for accurate assessment
• In-house Pilates for long-term rehab
• Collaborative care with GPs and specialists if imaging or further investigation is needed

If you’re struggling with groin pain, groin soreness, or pain in the groin, don’t wait for it to settle on its own. Let our team help you move better, feel better, and return to what you love.