What should I do if the muscle in the groin area between the thigh and hip is strained?

Under normal circumstances, a strained muscle or tendon between the thigh and hip can be relieved through bed rest, cold and hot compresses, acupuncture, medication, and small needle knife therapy. Specific methods are as follows:

1. Bed Rest

A strain between the thigh and hip requires adequate rest. Continuing physical activity or exercise may worsen the injury and delay healing. In addition to strict bed rest, it is recommended to elevate the affected limb above heart level, which helps promote venous return and reduce swelling.

2. Cold and Hot Compresses

If local pain and swelling are not significant, the sprain is likely mild. Rest for 1–2 weeks. Apply ice packs to the injured area within the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and pain by constricting capillaries, minimizing bleeding, and limiting swelling. After 24 hours, switch to heat therapy to improve blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, and further alleviate discomfort.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps unblock obstructed meridians. When meridians are blocked, blood flow is impaired, often leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and muscle strain. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can restore meridian flow and relieve symptoms of strain between the thigh and hip.

4. Medication

If the above methods fail to provide relief, patients may use medications such as Yunnan Baiyao aerosol or diclofenac diethylamine gel under medical supervision.

5. Small Needle Knife Therapy

Small needle knife therapy is a treatment that bridges surgical and non-surgical approaches. It combines features of incision surgery and acupuncture. The therapy involves inserting a small needle knife into deep pathological tissues to cut damaged structures, effectively treating strain between the thigh and hip.

If patients experience persistent discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.