Groin Pain?
Inner thigh pain?
Happy weekend everyone!
We enjoyed a full week in the Frisco area, where our first grandson was born two weeks ago. Watching mom and dad create structure around a newborn's eating, sleeping, and pooping habits is quite exciting. All three are doing well as they take it one day at a time.
A few evenings were spent with my husband's old college and work buddies. I had a great time getting to know their wives and girlfriends. Everyone loves to talk about yoga and pilates. It makes for easy conversation: What's working, what didn't go well in the past, what's the latest exercise fad, etc. I've never seen so many small exercise studios, each with its own "spin". Next to each studio were 2-3 restaurants so I guess that is what people here do. Eat, drink, and try to work it off!
DEEPER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER
If you OVER stretch
My husband met with a few of his former work buddies one night for Happy Hour. One of his friends walked in with the aid of a cane.
It turns out he had strained a groin muscle from overstretching.
Your muscles RESIST
Hmm. Why did he think overstretching was a good idea?
Oftentimes we get into our heads that warming up our muscles through stretching is a great idea, so we overdo it and go just a little too far.
The thing about muscles is that they are sensitive. That is, they are equipped with sensors.
Adductor Muscles "add" your limbs to your body central.
When the sensors see a threat, they restrain the body from following through. For example, Joe goes into a deep lunge, enjoying the sensation of stretching his deep adductor muscles. There is a "thing" called the Golgi Tendon Reflex that sends out an alarm to the body. "Stop! You're going too far!" So, Joe tries to deepen the stretch and the body resists. In this case, one or more of his Adductor muscles overly contracted to prevent the stretch. Not only is it quite unpleasant, but by then, the harm may have already occurred.
WHAT TO DO FOR A GROIN INJURY
Once there is an injury, it's time to back off. For Joe, this means he had to stop stretching and exercising completely. The muscles, the ligaments, and the tendons must rest in order to recover. Ice is helpful for the inflammation. The Adductor muscles are essential for any activity that depends on your legs coming together. When strained, you may experience tenderness if you press on the inner-groin/upper inner thigh area. It may be uncomfortable to take a wide step or open your legs. You may feel pain when squeezing your knees together or when doing lunges, squats, or certain Yoga and Pilates movements. In a nutshell, the muscles you had hoped to become more flexible, are now more rigid and defensive.
Once you have given your muscle strain some time to heal, what's the next step? Do you return to deep stretching? The answer is no. You must rebuild the muscles. This requires strengthening moves. In my Yoga studio, we bring out the CoreFirst bands, yoga blocks, and the Mat Pilates Ring. All three tools can safely rebuild the muscles, as well as nourish the hip joints around the muscles. We actually use all three tools quite often to strengthen, stretch, and mobilize the body. Click below if this sounds like something that would benefit you. If you prefer a big box gym, just be aware that one size seldom if ever fits all. Do your research. If something you are asked to do hurts, listen to your body first!
September 15, 2026, Mat Pilates 9:15 am has been moved to Wednesday, September 16 at 10:15 a.m.
Class is virtual only; we are traveling.
Monday, September 14th
9:15 am Judy & Andy 11:15 Mat Pilates-Live in the STUDIO and VIRTUAL 11:45 am Delicious Deep Stretch-Live in the STUDIO and VIRTUAL
1:30 Curt
3:15 Jenny
5 pm Mike & Katie
Tuesday, September 15
TRAVEL DAY. NO CLASSES.
Wednesday, September 16
9:00 Carol & Chris (8 am MTN) 11 am Michael (10 am MTN)
12 pm Judy & Andy (11 am MNT)
Thursday, September 17
9:00 Open 10:30 am Judy & Andy (9:30 am MST)
Friday
10 am open (9 am MST)
A Special Invitation
Book your private session for half price
New clients are invited to work directly with Dayna. Mention this newsletter to secure 50% off your session. Valid for bookings after September 24, 2026.
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