Overloaded adductors - how to recognize and treat?

This article should take about 7 minutes to read.

Groin pain and a feeling of stiffness in the hips are signals that may be sent by a group of muscles that we rarely think about on a daily basis. Although the thigh adductors have very important functions in our bodies, we often forget about them. In fact, many people struggle with overloaded adductors, which manifests itself as groin and hip pain. We explain, the causes of these ailments, treatment options and the recovery process, as well as the most important preventive steps. Learn more and forget the pain!

What is the function of the thigh adductors?
Overloaded adductors - where does groin pain come from?
Symptoms of strained adductors
When does groin pain indicate another problem?
How to treat groin pain and strained adductors?
Prevention - how to protect yourself from pain in the future?

What is the function of the thigh adductors?

Adductors are a group of 5 muscles, located on the inside of the thigh. They are adductor muscles: long, short, great, crest and slender. Their primary function is to bring the leg inward toward the other thigh (for example, when squeezing the knees). In addition, they are involved in rotating and flexing the hip, as well as are also responsible for stabilizing the pelvisy - not only when walking or running, but also when sitting.

Thus, the adductors work all the time, not just when you are in motion. To fulfill their task, they strictly work with the abdominal muscles and buttocks, creating a functional whole.

However, when this cooperation is disrupted (for example, by weakness or excessive tension), groin or hip pain occurs.

Overloaded adductors - where does groin pain come from?

Pain in the groin is the most common sign that the thigh adductor muscles have reached the limit of their strength. Although the injury can occur during a sudden movement (e.g., due to a dynamic change in running direction), it is usually the result of a long-term process. The underlying causes of the problem include:

chronic tension,
Muscle imbalance,
biomechanical disorders,
Physical activity without preparation (e.g., warm-up),
Too much training load,
lack of adequate regeneration,
faulty movement technique.

So on the one hand, the culprit may be sedentary lifestyle, which weakens the structures within the pelvis. On the other hand, groin pain can result from typical training errors: lack of warm-up, poor exercise technique or insufficient post-exercise recovery.

However, it is worth noting Biomechanical disorders in the pelvis and lower limb area. Weakened gluteal muscles or a slight difference in limb length force the adductors to work excessively. Over time, this situation leads to an accumulation of tension, muscle overload, groin pain or hip pain, followed by restricted mobility.

Symptoms of strained adductors

Whether the cause is a sports injury or training errors, clinical symptoms can be confusing. Very often, they go beyond the typical groin pain. Patients describe their complaints as „a pulling or stiff feeling”, which accumulates in the groin or runs along the inside of the thigh. In addition, the pain tends to intensify at specific times (e.g., when getting up from a chair, walking, running, twisting the trunk, kicking a ball).

Characteristic symptom for overloaded adductors There is also a limitation of mobility in the hip joint area. It can manifest as discomfort when trying to invert the leg or when trying to put the leg over the leg.

Be vigilant, however. The adductors of the thigh are very good at camouflaging their ailments. Overloading this muscle group can even radiate to the knee or lower back. In addition, adductor problem may manifest as hip pain, even though the hip joint itself is healthy and functional. Often only a palpation examination, performed by a physiotherapist, reveals marked tenderness and swelling at the site of the tendon's attachment to the pubic bone. This allows the therapist to make an accurate diagnosis.

When does groin pain indicate another problem?

Groin pain doesn't always mean an adductor problem. Before you start rolling your thigh or doing random stretching exercises from the Internet, you need to rule out other medical conditions. This task is handled by physiotherapist, who, using various diagnostic methods, will verify the source of the pain.

You need to know that groin pain may indicate other ailments, such as:

acetabular-femoral conflict,
lumbar spine problems,
inguinal or femoral hernia,
pubic conjunctivitis,
Hip-lumbar muscle overload.

Self-diagnosis can sometimes be risky. On your own, you can't determine whether your groin pain is one hundred percent due to strained adductors or hernias groin or lumbar spine problems. On the other hand, the success of subsequent treatment and recovery depends on an accurate diagnosis. A visit to a physiotherapist, supported by ultrasound, physical examination or analysis of movement biomechanics, is therefore crucial to return to health and life without pain.

How to treat groin pain and strained adductors?

The treatment and recovery process should always be tailored to the individual patient's case. Nevertheless, in most cases the following are used conservative methods.

In the first few days, it is usually recommended to rest and limit physical activity. If needed and beneficial, cold compresses and painkillers can also be used.
Very important is manual therapy, during which a physiotherapist will relax tense muscles: not only in the adductors, but also in the hip joint or diaphragm. Manual therapy and physiotherapy may also include trigger point therapy or musculo-fascial release.
In the case of chronic groin or hip pain, modern physiotherapy methods (such as. laser therapy HILT). These non-invasive treatments significantly reduce pain and inflammation, as well as improve blood circulation and accelerate tissue regeneration.
An indispensable part of the treatment of overstressed adductors is also the following medical training and strengthening and stretching exercises. The key is to strengthen especially the gluteal muscles and muscles, stabilizing the pelvis. In addition, it is important to implement exercises aimed at improving coordination and balance (proprioception).

The return to full fitness should be supervised by a physiotherapist. The care of a specialist gives you the confidence that the entire treatment process will run smoothly and be tailored to your needs. Besides Physiotherapist support increases the effectiveness of rehabilitation and protects you from recurrence of the ailment in the future.

Prevention - how to protect yourself from pain in the future?

Thigh adductor problems like to come back. To avoid this, you need to change the way you treat your body. If you've been looking at it in terms of a „training tool” or haven't thought about physical activity at all until now, we suggest a small change. You don't need a revolution. will suffice small modifications in training plan and daily schedule, which will protect you from pain and injury, and on top of that you will feel better!

So what should it look like prevention of groin pain And overloaded adductors?

Strengthen the adductor and adductor muscles of the thigh and gluteal muscles on a regular basis.
Take care of hip mobility by doing exercises that „open” the hip joint.
Warm up properly before any physical activity, even if it is a short and leisurely run.
Select training loads according to your level of training.

Also consider consulting a specialist who will assess your body's biomechanics. This will make it possible to improve or correct disturbed movement patterns (e.g., through appropriate training and exercises).

Take care of overstressed adductors - make an appointment at Profizjoclinic

Groin and hip pain is a signal that the balance in your body has been disturbed. The source may be a simple overload, which requires the implementation of a few simple changes (such as a few days of rest and strengthening of the gluteal muscles). However, it happens cause of overstressed adductors lies deeper and touches on biomechanical issues. Then it may take time to fully get rid of the ailment and involve not only the adductors, but also the spine, pelvis or diaphragm. However, it is worth taking as much time as necessary to regain full health.
Don't ignore even mild groin or hip pain. Downplaying initial complaints leads to chronic inflammation that takes months to treat. W Profizjoclinic We will take care of your health problems. Our team of orthopedists, physiotherapists and osteopaths He will find the cause of your groin pain and select the appropriate therapy. This will help you get back to fitness and physical activity. Make an appointment at our clinic and take the first step toward a pain-free life.

Profizjoclinic physiotherapy clinic is a place where we combine modern therapeutic techniques with empathy, understanding and kindness. We are people for whom your well-being matters.

We help our patients get rid of pain, return to fitness and regain full enjoyment of life. Choose a Profizjoclinic specialist, make an appointment and take the first step toward health.