By Kayla Kramer, DPT, ATC
Groin strains are a common injury in soccer players. The large group of adductor muscles attach to the pelvic bone along the groin line and are responsible for pulling the leg inward. Adductor strains account for 10-15% of all injuries in soccer players. The demands of soccer place strong eccentric contraction forces on the adductor group leading to high prevalence of adductor muscle injuries. The adductor group is the second most commonly injured muscle group in soccer players behind the hamstrings. An adductor strain occurs when there is too much tension placed on the muscles of the inner thigh.
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What are Common Symptoms Associated with Adductor Strains
Adductor strains typically occur when a soccer athlete is kicking, shooting on goal, sudden acceleration in sprinting, quickly changing directions while running, jumping, or tackling. Soccer players usually report a sudden onset of inner thigh or groin pain. The pain typically worsens as activity increases and can render an athlete unable to play if pain increases to a severe level. Tenderness or bruising may occur along the inner thigh with moderate to severe injury. The pain is aggravated with bringing your legs together, lifting your knee, and passing/kicking the ball with the inside of your foot.
Can Adductor Strains be Prevented?
Adductor strains cannot be entirely prevented, however incorporating a proper dynamic warm-up and strengthening program into your training can reduce your risk of sustaining an adductor injury. Strengthening exercises for the adductor group can help to improve the load capacity of the muscles and prevent overuse injuries. Please see our Facebook Live video this week for examples of strengthening exercises you can incorporate into your training to decrease your risk of sustaining an adductor injury.
How are Adductor Strains Treated
Most adductor strains respond well to conservative treatment without the need for injections or surgery. Initial treatment typically includes ice, activity modification, physical therapy treatment, and gradual return to play. A physical therapist specialized in treating soccer injuries would know how your injury occurred and perform a thorough examination to evaluate the extent of injury. An individualized treatment program would be created, including a combination of hands-on techniques, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises to get you back to playing soccer as soon as possible.
If you have questions about pain/injury or strength training, our soccer specialists are here to help. Check out our Running Performance Packages or Schedule a free 15 minute screening today.
Kayla Kramer, DPT, ATC is one of our soccer specialists at ActivePT and Sports. As a former collegiate soccer player, she is passionate about working with soccer athletes and helping them reach their goals.
