Persistent Pain After Frog Swimming: Is It a Permanent Injury?

A 16-year-old has been experiencing a sports injury from frog swimming since March, and it has not yet healed?

Hello, in March, while swimming the frog stroke, I suddenly experienced severe pain at the junction of the inner thighs and the bottom of the scrotum.
I felt it was a strain.
After 2 to 3 days, it improved.
Last year, in July and August, I swam every day for 2 hours, and after the strain in March, I initially felt pain while walking, which radiated to my testicles.
Since it improved in a few days, I didn't pay much attention to it.
During my daily life, I didn't experience pain or recurrence.
At the end of May, I swam again.
This time, I stretched and warmed up beforehand and swam quite slowly.
Initially, I could swim a few dozen meters without pain, but then the pain returned, becoming so severe that I couldn't continue with the frog stroke.
After a few days, it improved again.
Today, on June 30, I went swimming again, and the situation was the same.
I warmed up and stretched, swam very slowly, and initially felt fine, but then the severe pain returned, making it difficult to walk (similar to previous instances).
Could this be a permanent injury? Why does it recur after such a long time when I engage the same area? I'm a bit worried.

Ke Lian Nan Hai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/06/30

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation

I apologize for the delay in responding due to issues with the communication system! Your description is quite unusual; it sounds like a muscle strain.
The symptoms you mentioned, such as the frog position and the pain points, clearly indicate a strain of the adductor muscle group in the thigh.
Typically, such an injury wouldn't heal in just 2 to 3 days (that would be too quick).
It's possible that you didn't strain the injured muscle or tendon significantly, which is why you may not have felt pain.
However, since it's been over three months since March, that duration seems excessive! There shouldn't be any reason for permanent damage.

1.
You can press along the inner thigh upwards towards the groin and the scrotal area; apply deeper pressure to check for any painful spots or hard lumps.
If you find any, apply firm transverse massage (perpendicular to the muscle fibers).
2.
Perform stretches, such as side splits, to stretch the adductor muscles.
3.
Keep both legs straight and squeeze them together (you can use a large elastic ball or a blanket) to strengthen the muscles.
If there is no improvement, I recommend that you consult a rehabilitation physician nearby.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2012/06/30

More Info

It sounds like you have been experiencing recurring pain in the inner thigh area, particularly after swimming the frog stroke, which may suggest a soft tissue injury, such as a strain or a tear in the muscles or tendons in that region. Given the nature of your symptoms and the pattern of recurrence, it is important to consider several factors that could be contributing to your ongoing discomfort.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains, can take time to heal completely. Even if you feel better after a few days, the underlying tissue may not have fully recovered, making it susceptible to re-injury. The fact that you have experienced pain that radiates to the groin area and even into the scrotum suggests that the injury may involve the adductor muscles, which are responsible for bringing the legs together and are located in the inner thigh. These muscles can be strained during activities that require sudden movements or changes in direction, such as swimming.

The recurrence of pain after swimming, despite warming up and stretching, indicates that there may be an underlying issue that has not been adequately addressed. It is possible that you are not allowing enough time for the injury to heal fully before returning to swimming, or that the swimming technique itself may be exacerbating the problem. Additionally, if there is any weakness or imbalance in the muscles surrounding the hip and thigh, it could lead to improper mechanics during swimming, increasing the risk of re-injury.

To determine whether this is a permanent injury or if it can be resolved with appropriate treatment, it is advisable to seek a thorough evaluation from a healthcare professional, such as a sports medicine physician or a physical therapist. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess the extent of any soft tissue damage. Based on their findings, they can develop a tailored rehabilitation program that may include strengthening exercises, flexibility training, and modifications to your swimming technique.

In the meantime, it is essential to listen to your body. If you experience pain during or after swimming, it may be wise to take a break from that activity and focus on rehabilitation exercises that target the affected area. Ice therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications may also help alleviate pain and swelling.

In conclusion, while it is not possible to definitively say whether your injury is permanent without a proper evaluation, the pattern of recurrence suggests that further assessment and a structured rehabilitation program are necessary. By addressing any underlying issues and allowing adequate time for healing, you can work towards a full recovery and reduce the risk of future injuries.

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