Groin Pull and compression shorts.

[Wakatuki]

Hi, not strictly a cycling question, but I need to turn to my impartial and non judgmental assoiciates on this site;

As some of you may know I am in training for the Police, I have my final physical on 11th May. Which I was all prepared for until, I pulled my groin. I decided wrongly to increase my excursion by sprinting up hills instead of the usual basket ball court.

According to this website ouch I would class myself as a grade one injury, it bloody hurts after a small easy test run.

Other than doctor google, I have taken it no further as I really don't think I want the bad news....

Has anyone here any experience of a groin pulls, recovery time, quick fixes, one day survival tips? Do you think compression shorts, some painkillers would do the trick. It has taken me six months to get to this point.....do you think it wise to push through and then recuperate after the tests. Or abandon the test and re-schedule. ARRRRHGGHGHGHGHGHHH So mad with myself.

Thanks in advance.

[macca33]

I cannot provide any advice on the injury, or management of same; but, my first advice would be to contact the coppers and tell them that you have sustained an injury - honesty is the best policy, as you are trying to join the coppers after all! They may be able to open a slot subsequent to the test day, to enable you to perform the requisite testing regime. I believe they do bi-annual intakes or similar up there, which is a concern if you miss out, but if you are the type of person they want to recruit, I would imagine they will try to accommodate you.

In saying all that, 10 days with good treatment may facilitate recovery, in which case, my advice above would be moot.

Good luck with it.

[nescius]

Typically adductors take a bit longer to heal than other muscle groups, it really depends on which muscles you injured specifically. I tore my gracilis during my taekwondo days and it was a good 6 weeks before I could train properly again.

If I were you, I would see a physio and get an idea of the severity of the injury and the likely recovery time, if they think you'll be fine by the 11th then happy days. If they don't think you'll be fit for the test then you'll have to reschedule rather than risk making the injury worse. If you think it's a grade one then I reckon you'll probably be alright by the 11th. Take something anti-inflammatory (nurofen) rather than just painkillers.

[Wakatuki]

Thanks,

Jogged in a bandage REAL gentle last night, slow, covered 2.7k of moderate hills. In pain when I got back. About a 7/10 used Nurofen gel as I can't take Nurofen or similar, it causes stomach issues.
Rode this morning, and about 2/10 on the pain scale. GREAT. Jog and ride tonight, buying compression shorts later. See how things go.

I have decided that if I am not 100% the day before then I will postpone.

[sbr511]

I currently have a gracilis grade 2 strain,
while i have been playing footy with it for the last three weeks, I have now had a week of no training at all,
It feels 80% better and going to continue to not train till next week,
I have been RICE method, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
I wear compression shorts when training and playing but that doesnt really make a difference to the injury.
Stretch and rub down with Flexall cream before games and ice after the game.
Only wear compression shorts on the road bike not the MTB.

[Howzat]

I have decided that if I am not 100% the day before then I will postpone.

Sounds like the best. Better to postpone the test due to injury than to fail it...

Good luck!

[Wakatuki]

Cheers, Howzat for the support.

Cycling is not aggravating the pull at all, did a Montiville hill repeat last night, nice sweat on!
I took it easier than normal, so I thought, but set 5 PB's in all the climb section!
Must be the Gatorade that I have started taking for the final fitness push..
So the good news is I can keep the Cardio up, borrowing a MTB 29er that works on Sunday, raise the air pressure and conquer RAZORBACK, no stops.

[moosterbounce]

I'd be looking at anti-inflams as much as possible. If you can't take them with food then the gel will help. Physio - they can do ultrasound or those electrodes (which I used to love on my shin and arm) as both help break down scarring etc. Does a gentle stretch hurt? Not even sure if you should stretch but i reckon exercise is a stretch so maybe a gentle controlled stretch will assist? Something like the yoga warrior pose isn't too extreme, or sit on the floor with soles of feet together and let knees drop. Both work different muscles but may help. Hold for 30 seconds but don't push.

Ice after exercise could assist with reducing inflams too.

[coffeeandwine]

Typically adductors take a bit longer to heal than other muscle groups, it really depends on which muscles you injured specifically. I tore my gracilis during my taekwondo days and it was a good 6 weeks before I could train properly again.

If I were you, I would see a physio and get an idea of the severity of the injury and the likely recovery time, if they think you'll be fine by the 11th then happy days. If they don't think you'll be fit for the test then you'll have to reschedule rather than risk making the injury worse. If you think it's a grade one then I reckon you'll probably be alright by the 11th. Take something anti-inflammatory (nurofen) rather than just painkillers.

+1

Use this link to find a good sports physio (for 'Interest' select orthopaedics).

[Wakatuki]

+1

Use this link to find a good sports physio (for 'Interest' select orthopaedics).

Brilliant site thank you, will be on the phone begging for appointment on Monday, if there was a kudos click, I would give you one... Thank you.

[moosterbounce]

Don't forget to tell us the outcome Waka. It's always the way though isn't it - injury just before you need to perform. I've got a 1/2 IM swim next weekend and, as of yesterday's swim, a bloody sore shoulder. My guess is tendinitis rather than anything sinister, but it needs rest and that wasn't in my schedule yet!!

I can always recommend Rock Tape too. I've used it everywhere - its also been the only thing that stopped a guaranteed blister when paddling. Check their website for a groin tape. It looks easy

[Wakatuki]

Update:
Saw a specialist yesterday who performed to most excruciatingly painful massage I have received. That combined with acupuncture, resistance exercise and a $100 on the visa. Leaves me feeling quietly confident.
He was ex military and has done everything I am about to do, he feels he will get me patched up for the day. I have a repeat appt Wednesday.
I am allowed to swim and cycle, no jogging till Wednesday night, after second treatment.
Swam 1.5ks in clothes, followed by 1/2k in just shorts last night. Hurt afterwards but feels fine this morning and just a slight niggle on the butterly leg stretch.
So, fingers crossed. I will keep you posted.

I am going to reward myself with a garmin 910xt after I pass this. Just don't tell the wife

[moosterbounce]

I am familiar with that excruciating groin/inner thigh massage. I've got a phobia of needles so have fillings without anaesthetic no probs, but had to tell the physio to stop a few times in that massage!!

Sounds like you are onto a winner with the specialist though. Once you find a good one, stick to them.

Good luck for the rest of the week

[Wakatuki]

Ok, I survived.
Psych test result unknown. But I have not been called back in.
Panel interview felt ok.
Physical passed. At what overall rating? Unknown.
A: in the swim.
C: in the beep. I chose this as it was the minimum pass and we still had four events left, I did not want to bust the leg early on.
Hang test, pass.
Gun hold, mock load, clear jam, and five times fire, pass.
Assault course and dummy drag, unknown, but I was no slower than any one else in my age group.
Communicate over 2 way, then sprint half oval and request urgent assistance, unknown but felt ok. (Harder than it sounds)
So fingers crossed. Into the pool I go, then into the yes/no pile I suppose.

Rock tape, wide boy, was awesome. Worn under compression shorts only pain was from after hurdling and swinging legs over walls on assault course.

Sore as today, never mind, a week of R n R now, then back into it.

Cheers.
Alistair

[moosterbounce]

Yay!! Well done looking forward to full celebrations once the pool spits you out.

There is nothing Rock Tape can't do Provided you have a solid base to work with of course, which you did.

Enjoy putting your feet up.