5 Common Causes of Groin Pain

Groin pain is a frequent concern among clients visiting our downtown Toronto physiotherapy, chiropractic, and registered massage therapy (RMT) clinic. Because the groin is a complex region involving muscles, joints, and nerves, determining the source of pain requires a thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Below are five common causes of groin pain that can be effectively evaluated and treated by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or registered massage therapist

1. Muscle Strain

A strain of the adductor muscles (inner thigh muscles) or hip flexors is one of the most common causes of groin pain. Other surrounding muscles may also contribute.
How physiotherapy, chiropractic, or RMT can help:

• Early treatment focuses on pain reduction and inflammation control.
• As healing progresses, your therapist will guide you through targeted exercises to restore hip mobility, strength, and optimal muscle function.
• Manual therapy, soft-tissue release, and joint mobilizations may be used to accelerate recovery.

2. Adductor Tendinopathy

This overuse injury affects the adductor tendon near its attachment on the inner thigh and can cause persistent groin discomfort, especially during activity.
Rehabilitation focuses on:

• Improving hip and pelvic mobility
• Progressive, load-tolerant strengthening exercises for the adductors
• Soft tissue release or joint techniques to restore proper biomechanics

3. Hip Osteoarthritis (OA)

Degenerative changes in the hip joint often present as groin pain. Many clients are surprised to learn that hip OA doesn’t just cause hip stiffness, it can also affect walking patterns, balance, and daily activities.
Treatment at our downtown Toronto clinic may include:

• Pain-relieving manual therapy
• Mobility work to optimize joint range of motion
• Strengthening programs for the hip, core, and lower extremity
• Gait retraining and personalized exercise plans

Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can all play important roles in managing chronic hip conditions

4. Lumbar Disc Herniation

Sometimes groin pain originates not from the hip, but from the lower back, specifically a disc herniation in the lumbar spine. Nerve irritation can refer pain into the groin region.
If lumbar involvement is confirmed, care may include:

• Direction-specific exercises (e.g., extension-based movements)
• Spinal mobility and stabilization training
• Spinal mobilizations or adjustments where appropriate
• Soft-tissue techniques to reduce protective muscle guarding

5. Thoracolumbar Junction Referral

The thoracolumbar junction, where the lower thoracic spine meets the upper lumbar spine, can be an overlooked source of groin pain. Excessive movement, joint irritation, or nerve compression in this region can refer pain downward into the groin.
Treatment may involve:

• Improving joint mobility in the thoracolumbar spine
• Motor-control exercises to stabilize the region
• Manual therapy or massage therapy depending on findings

When to Seek Professional Assessment

This list is not exhaustive. Many other conditions-some musculoskeletal, others requiring medical investigation can present as groin pain. A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment that includes screening for non-musculoskeletal causes is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
If you’re experiencing ongoing groin pain, our downtown Toronto physiotherapists, chiropractors, and registered massage therapists can help determine the root cause and guide you toward a safe, personalized recovery plan