Groin injury from splits

Yes, I know that splits pose, Hanumanasana, is not part of the hot-yoga series. But, at the Bikram studio where I practice, it’s common for students to stay for a few minutes after class to do additional stretches… and splits is commonly done at that time.

I’ve done splits for many years — I often do (did) splits pose in other-style yoga classes such as Jivamukti or “advanced” Hatha yoga classes. But, one day, after a good Bikram practice and still in the hot room, something “popped” when I did splits on the second side, with my right leg in front. It wasn’t painful at the time, and I assumed that it was an injury that would heal if I didn’t push my stretching and avoided splits, at least splits on that side.

But, it’s been more than TWO MONTHS, and, even though I’ve been avoiding extreme groin stretches and splits, the pain arises during moderate stretching, with no noticeable improvement over that time. For example, tonight, during the Bikram spread-leg standing forward bend, as well as the single leg forward bends, there was moderate pain at the right side of my groin.

I’ve done some web searching, and I’m not even sure of the name of the muscle that is torn. So, it’s difficult to research correct treatment. Should I rest the muscle completely and let scar tissue grow, making the muscle shorter and less able to stretch? Should I continue with moderate stretching so that the muscle heals without excessive shortening? Should I consult a physician for surgical intervention?

I’m hoping that some of you will have some knowledge or experience of groin injuries and will be able to identify the muscle and offer suggestions for how to treat the injury. And, Gabrielle, perhaps you may be able to help. With much thanks —

John