In sports and fitness training a common injury is adductor strains.  They are often caused by poor spinal and pelvic biomechanics and a Biomechanics Coach™ or therapist trained in biomechanical screening would be able to find the causes of such injuries. Fitness instructor, Personal trainer and sports science qualifications are much stronger and more valuable if they have a dual Biomechanics Coaching™ qualification.

The adductors comprise of five muscles in the groin, stretching between the pelvis and the inside of the thigh bone (femur), and adductor longus is the most commonly injured of this muscle set. Its main function is to pull the legs together (adduction) and it is used extensively when playing football or rugby, sprinting, hurdling and horse-riding.

An important factor not to overlook is the risk of an adductor strain being confused with a sportsman’s hernia as it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the two, so if there is any doubt, do get it checked by a qualified and experienced therapist or doctor.

Most people usually feel pain in the groin at the top of the adductor muscle, which can radiate down the leg; there can also be swelling and bruising in the area. It usually hurts when they try and pull their legs together against a resistance and can hurt if stretching the leg out to the side. Also, if they were to try and run, it would be very painful in the groin and adductor area.

Muscle tears are graded according to severity. Grade 1 is a mild tear, which presents itself as mild discomfort and a little tenderness. Grade 2 is a partial tear with more discomfort and there is often swelling, usually painful to the touch, which results in limited range of movement. Grade 3 is a severe tear or complete rupture of a muscle and is normally very painful, with swelling and an inability to walk or run. A full tear or complete rupture can be very debilitating and a small lump or gap can usually be felt in the muscle, at that point.

Injuries are commonly caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Common extrinsic factors for adductor longus injuries include activities that require high speed acceleration and deceleration, such as sprinting, rapid changes of direction or sports where kicking and jumping are required. It can also be caused in football, when players stretch beyond their physical capabilities to retrieve a ball or perform a tackle.

This injury is much more likely to occur if there are intrinsic causes too. If your clients have a stiff lower back, tight nerves in your hips and legs, stiff hip joints or weakened adductors due to a twisted pelvis, which they may not even realise they have, the risk of tears is much higher. You may be able to get away with either an intrinsic or an extrinsic cause, but a combination of both represents a high risk factor.

The principles of Rest, Ice Compression and Elevation (R.I.C.E) will help with the acute symptoms. A compressive thigh sleeve can help reduce the swelling and, indeed, minimise it if they apply the support soon enough. Once the acute pain has started to subside, a gentle stretching regimen can help healing and restore the muscle’s range of movement. Also, if they see an experienced and qualified sports masseur they should find this helpful for regaining function in the muscle. Once the pain has diminished, any swelling has gone and they have regained almost full range of movement, you can start to strengthen the muscle. Try exercising with a resistance band to start working the adductor muscle again.

<strong>How to prevent it</strong>

To try preventing this injury, you have to consider both extrinsic and intrinsic causes.  Look at the sport they perform and see if it demands any of the actions described above that cause the injury. If so, gradually increase the amount of work they perform in the gym to get their hips, pelvis and spine in good physical condition, and with sufficient flexibility in the nerves and muscles. Also, build up the amount of acceleration and deceleration work they do, although make sure not to rush into a new phase of training too quickly, giving their body time to adapt.

Martin Haines
Biomechanics Coach™
Chartered Physiotherapist

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