Why “groin strain” is not a diagnosis
The Doha agreement meeting brought together 24 experts from 14 countries to settle the confusing terminology around athletic groin pain. They agreed on three headings: defined clinical entities (adductor-related, iliopsoas-related, inguinal-related and pubic-related groin pain), hip-related groin pain, and other causes. The classification is based on history and physical examination, which is why a careful hands-on assessment matters more here than a scan.
The practical value is that each label points to a different plan. An adductor problem is loaded through the inner thigh, a hip problem needs the hip assessed (see our hip pain page), and pain that sits in the lower abdomen and is worse with coughing or sit-ups needs a different conversation again, sometimes with a doctor or surgeon.
What the research says about the adductors
A descriptive study from a multidisciplinary sports groin pain clinic in Doha reviewed 100 consecutive athletes. They were overwhelmingly male (98%) and mostly football players (60%). Adductor-related groin pain was the most prevalent entity (61%) and pubic-related pain the least (4%). In 44%, more than one cause was found. That is a specialist referral population, so it will not mirror weekend sport exactly, but it explains why single-exercise fixes so often fail: there is frequently more than one thing going on.
On strength, a randomised trial in 45 elite under-19 male footballers (33 analysed after exclusions for low compliance) compared the standard FIFA 11+ warm-up with a version where the Copenhagen adduction exercise replaced the Nordic hamstring exercise, three times a week for eight weeks. Eccentric hip adduction strength rose by 0.29 Nm/kg (8.9%) more in the Copenhagen group, while the standard programme produced no change. It is a strength outcome in a small group of elite players, not proof the exercise prevents groin injuries, so we use it as one tool among several.
How we assess groin pain in Daisy Hill
We ask what you play, what the pain does when you kick, sprint, cut or sit up, and whether it came on suddenly or built up. Then we palpate the adductor origin and the pubic area, test adduction strength and the squeeze position, assess hip range and hip impingement signs, screen the lower back, and look at how you change direction. Where it changes what we recommend, VALD dynamometry testing gives side-to-side strength numbers rather than a guess.
See a doctor promptly for groin or testicular pain with swelling, a new lump or bulge, fever, pain after a significant impact, or pain you cannot link to activity. Imaging is not routine for athletic groin pain; we refer when the picture suggests it will change management.
Groin pain at a glance
Groin pain in athletes is classified by consensus into adductor-, iliopsoas-, inguinal- and pubic-related, hip-related and other causes · Adductor-related pain was found in 61% of athletes in a specialist clinic series, with multiple causes in 44% · In a small trial of elite footballers the Copenhagen adduction exercise raised eccentric hip adduction strength by 8.9% more than the standard warm-up · Lump, swelling, fever or testicular pain means see a doctor promptly.
What groin rehab involves here
Early work settles the pain and keeps the area moving. The core of rehab is progressive loading of the adductors and the muscles around the pelvis and hip, moving from isometric holds to eccentric work such as the Copenhagen adduction exercise, then to sprinting, kicking and cutting at game intensity. A groin cannot be rehabilitated on a plinth, so the work runs in our gym-based rehab space.
We set return criteria rather than a date and plan the first weeks back, because hurrying the cutting and kicking phase is how a groin becomes a recurring problem. Sprinting-related leg problems are covered on our hamstring injury page and the pelvic floor and lower abdominal region on our pelvic health page.
Paying for groin pain rehab in Logan
Private patients can claim on the spot through HICAPS — see our physiotherapy fees page. Where an ongoing problem is managed under a GP chronic condition management plan, Medicare rebates item 10960 at $63.40 from 1 July 2026, for up to five allied health visits a calendar year pooled across professions — see our Medicare physiotherapy page. Work-related and car-accident injuries are handled through WorkCover and CTP pathways, DVA card holders are billed directly for accepted conditions, and NDIS participants on plan-managed or self-managed plans can use their funding with us.
Book a groin pain assessment in Daisy Hill
Daisy Hill Physio is at Unit 4, 11–13 Allamanda Drive, Daisy Hill QLD 4127 — in Logan City, Queensland, Australia (not Logan, Utah) — and sees footballers, league, touch and AFL players and weekend athletes from Springwood, Shailer Park, Slacks Creek, Underwood, Rochedale South, Kingston, Loganholme and across Logan. Book online or call 07 3209 2000 and tell reception it is groin pain and which sport you play. Physiotherapist Ben Birchall works on load management and return-to-performance; meet the whole team on our team page or read how to choose a physio in Logan.
Reviewed by Ben Birchall, Physiotherapist, Daisy Hill Physio. Content current at 13 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis — see a physiotherapist or GP for advice about your own situation.
Sources: Weir A, Brukner P, Delahunt E, et al. Doha agreement meeting on terminology and definitions in groin pain in athletes. Br J Sports Med 2015;49:768–774 · Taylor R, Vuckovic Z, Mosler A, et al. Multidisciplinary assessment of 100 athletes with groin pain using the Doha agreement. Clin J Sport Med 2018;28:364–369 · Harøy J, Thorborg K, Serner A, et al. Including the Copenhagen adduction exercise in the FIFA 11+ provides missing eccentric hip adduction strength effect in male soccer players: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med 2017;45:3052–3059. Accessed 13 October 2026.
