What is Adductor Strain?
An adductor strain involves overstretching or tearing of the muscles on the inside of the thigh — most commonly the
adductor longus, but sometimes the brevis, magnus, or gracilis. It’s often seen in activities requiring sudden changes of direction, sprinting, or kicking.
Symptoms & What You May Experience
- Pain or tightness in the inner thigh or groin
- Sharp pain during running, lunging, or side-stepping
- Tenderness to touch along the inner thigh
- Stiffness after activity or rest
- Reduced strength when bringing the legs together
- Bruising or swelling in more severe tears
- Discomfort getting out of the car or bed
What causes Adductor Strain?
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Sudden overstretch or rapid changes in direction
- Muscle imbalance between abductors and adductors
- Tight hip flexors, hamstrings, or groin muscle
- Poor warm-up or fatigue
- Previous groin injuries
- Weak core or pelvic stability
How We Help (At Victoria Park Osteopaths)
Treatment supports healing, mobility, and return to activity:
- Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation
- Joint mobilisation (hip, pelvis, lower back) to restore movement
- Progressive rehabilitation exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility
- Core and pelvic stability work
- Gait/sport-specific movement retraining
- Guidance on pacing, return to sport, and prevention
Recovery Time & What to Expect
- Grade I (mild): 2–4 weeks
- Grade II (moderate): 4–8 weeks
- Grade III (severe/tear): 8–12+ weeks
- Early rehab prevents chronic groin pain
When to Seek Medical Review / Red Flags
- Severe pain with walking
- Large swelling or extensive bruising
- Persistent pain beyond 8 weeks
- History of recurrent groin injuries
