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Adductor Strain Treatment in Manchester I Physiotherapy Guide

  • Nov 28, 2022
  • 6 min read

Updated: Mar 14


adductor strain treatment in Manchester City Centre
ADDUCTOR STRAIN

What is adductor strain?


An adductor strain, commonly referred to as a groin strain, is a frequent cause of pain on the inner side of the thigh and groin, particularly among athletes and physically active individuals. This injury occurs when the adductor muscles, located on the inside of the thigh, are overstretched or torn.


Pain in the groin region may originate from several structures, including the adductor muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bursae. These tissues work together to stabilise the hip and assist with movements such as bringing the leg toward the midline of the body (adduction).


Although many adductor strains are considered mild to moderate injuries, they should not be ignored. If left untreated, recovery can take significantly longer and may lead to compensatory movement patterns, which can place additional stress on other areas of the body and increase the risk of further injury.



What is adductor muscles?



The muscles located in the medial compartment of the thigh are known as the adductor muscle group. These muscles play an important role in stabilising the hip and controlling leg movement, particularly during activities such as walking, running, and changing direction.


There are five main muscles in the adductor group:


  • Pectineus

  • Adductor Brevis

  • Adductor Longus

  • Adductor Magnus

  • Gracilis


The primary function of the hip adductor muscles is to bring the thigh toward the midline of the body, a movement known as adduction.

These muscles originate mainly from the pubis and ischium bones of the pelvis and insert along the medial and posterior surfaces of the femur (thigh bone).

In terms of nerve supply, most of the adductor muscles are innervated by the obturator nerve. However, there are some exceptions:


  • The pectineus muscle is primarily innervated by the femoral nerve

  • A portion of the adductor magnus receives innervation from the tibial branch of the sciatic nerve



Treatment for adductor strain in Manchester City Centre
ATHLETE STRETCHES HIS RIGHT ADDUCTOR MUSCLES



Types of adductor strains



Adductor strains are commonly classified into three grades, depending on the severity of the muscle damage.


Grade I Adductor Strain (Mild)

In a Grade I strain, the muscle fibres are overstretched and irritated, but there is no significant tearing of the muscle tissue. This type of injury is often referred to as a “pulled muscle.”

Symptoms are usually mild, and there is little or no loss of strength or mobility. Typically, less than 5% of the muscle fibres are affected.

Estimated recovery time: approximately 3–5 weeks with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.


Grade II Adductor Strain (Moderate)

A Grade II strain involves partial tearing of the muscle fibres, with a greater portion of the muscle affected. In some cases, up to around 50% of the muscle fibres may be involved.

This type of injury is considered moderate and is usually associated with more noticeable pain, possible swelling, and a reduction in adductor muscle strength.

Estimated recovery time: approximately 6–8 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and the rehabilitation process.


Grade III Adductor Strain (Severe)

A Grade III strain is the most severe type of muscle injury and involves a complete rupture of the muscle or tendon. In this case, the tendon may separate from the muscle, or the muscle belly may tear completely.

This type of injury typically causes severe pain, significant swelling, and a substantial loss of strength and movement. Surgical treatment may sometimes be required.

Estimated recovery time: recovery depends on the type of treatment or surgery required, but it may take 6–9 months or longer before full return to activity.




What causes adductor strain?

A muscle strain occurs when a muscle is subjected to forces greater than it can tolerate, causing the muscle fibres to become overstretched or torn. This type of injury can occur during everyday activities, physical exercise, or sports.


Several factors can contribute to the development of a muscle strain, including:


  • Lifting heavy objects, such as lifting weights at the gym

  • Poor body mechanics or improper movement patterns during physical activities

  • Repetitive movements over a prolonged period, which can lead to muscle fatigue (for example, painting walls for many hours)

  • Direct trauma to the muscle, such as a heavy impact during contact sports

  • Poor flexibility, which increases the risk of overstretching the muscle

  • Insufficient physical conditioning or muscle weakness

  • Inadequate warm-up before physical activity

  • Sudden overstretching of the muscle, such as during sprinting or sudden movements

  • Performing activities at a much higher intensity than usual


Understanding these risk factors is important, as proper conditioning, flexibility training, and warm-up routines can significantly reduce the likelihood of muscle strains.



What are the symptoms of adductor strain?

The symptoms of a muscle strain can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but they commonly include:


  • Pain in the affected muscle, which may sometimes spread to the surrounding area

  • Swelling around the injured region

  • Tenderness when the muscle is touched or pressed

  • Muscle weakness, making it harder to use the affected muscle normally

  • Reduced range of motion in the injured area

  • Bruising or discoloration of the skin

  • Difficulty moving or using the muscle as you normally would


In more severe strains, the pain and weakness may significantly limit normal movement or physical activity.


Treatment of adductor strain

At Physio Pattern Manchester, we specialise in the assessment and treatment of adductor (groin) strains in both athletes and non-athletes. Our approach focuses not only on relieving pain but also on identifying the underlying dysfunctions that contributed to the injury, helping to prevent recurrence.


1. Detailed Clinical Assessment

Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment performed by one of our physiotherapists. During this stage we evaluate:

  • How the injury occurred

  • Previous groin or lower limb injuries

  • Current symptoms and pain patterns

  • Activity levels, sport participation, and training load

  • Medical history and lifestyle factors

This information helps us understand the mechanism of injury and contributing factors.


2. Biomechanical and Functional Assessment

A thorough physical examination is then carried out, including:

  • Assessment of the adductor muscles and tendons

  • Manual muscle testing to evaluate strength and muscle activation

  • Hip and pelvic movement analysis

  • Flexibility and range of motion testing

  • Assessment of related kinetic chains, including the hip, pelvis, and lower limb

This allows us to identify movement dysfunctions, muscle imbalances, or compensatory patterns that may have contributed to the strain.


3. Neuromuscular Dysfunction Correction

If abnormal movement patterns or neurological dysfunctions are identified, we may use specialised approaches such as:

  • Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT)

  • Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex Therapy (P-DTR)

These techniques help restore proper communication between the nervous system and muscles, improving coordination, stability, and muscle activation.

4. Targeted Therapeutic Treatments

Depending on the findings of your assessment, we may use a combination of treatment modalities to reduce pain, improve tissue healing, and restore normal function, including:

  • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques

  • Tecar Therapy to stimulate circulation and accelerate tissue repair

  • Shockwave Therapy for chronic tendon or soft tissue problems

  • Manual Therapy to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension

  • Cold Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing

  • Acupuncture for pain relief and muscle relaxation

These treatments aim to reduce pain, improve healing of the injured tissues, and restore normal movement patterns.


5. Individualised Rehabilitation Program

The final stage of treatment focuses on rehabilitation and prevention of future injuries.

You will receive a personalised exercise program that may include:

  • Gentle stretching exercises for the groin and hip muscles

  • Strengthening exercises for the adductors and surrounding muscles

  • Core and pelvic stability training

  • Sport-specific rehabilitation exercises

All exercises are tailored to your specific condition and recovery stage, ensuring a safe and effective return to normal activities or sports.


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If you would like more information of how Physio Pattern Manchester can help with this condition, or to book an assessment please call





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