The hip adductor (groin) muscles run along the medial thigh and are responsible for returning the hip joint from an abducted position to closer in line with the body (adduction) and stabilizing the lower extremity during closed-chain activities such as standing, hopping or propelling off of one limb in a side to side fashion.

Of the major adductors, adductor longus is thought to be the most commonly strained muscle, but any of the adductors could be involved. Injuries to the adductor group are often associated with movements such as kicking, pivoting, skating and sprinting, and a number of sports including hockey, gymnastics, soccer, martial arts, football and track and field.

Although stretching can sometimes be useful for reducing pain after a strain, research has shown us that the focus should be on resistance training exercises as these will work to restore tissue integrity and help prevent re-injury.

If you need help recovering from an adductor injury or are looking to prevent one, the exercises found in our groin strain program will help you target this muscle group and increase overall tissue capacity.