Adductor-Related Groin Pain: Physiotherapy Assessment & Rehabilitation
Adductor-related groin pain is a common injury in running, football, soccer, and court sports. At Fit 2 Function Allied Health, we provide evidence-based physiotherapy to assess, manage, and rehabilitate adductor injuries, helping you return to sport and daily activity safely.
This page explains what adductor-related groin pain is, how it is diagnosed, and how physiotherapy guides recovery.
What is adductor-related groin pain?
This condition involves overuse, strain, or tendon degeneration of the adductor muscles that attach to the pelvis. Symptoms typically include:
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Pain in the inner thigh or groin region
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Discomfort during running, kicking, or sudden direction changes
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Pain with resisted adduction or single-leg stance
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Stiffness after rest or prolonged sitting
Early assessment is key to prevent chronic issues and reduce time away from sport.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily clinical:
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Detailed history of injury onset and aggravating movements
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Physical examination including palpation, strength testing, and functional assessment
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Imaging may be used if symptoms persist or for severe injuries:
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Ultrasound to assess tendon integrity
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MRI in selected cases to rule out labral or bony pathology
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Physiotherapy management of adductor-related groin pain
Management focuses on progressive loading, strengthening, and movement control:
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Load management: balance activity with structured rest and gradual reintroduction
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Strengthening: adductors, hip stabilisers, glutes, and core
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Movement retraining: running technique, change-of-direction mechanics
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Education: injury prevention strategies, warm-up, and recovery guidance
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Functional progression: exercises moving from isometrics to dynamic sport-specific drills
Structured rehab improves strength, symmetry, and tendon tolerance while reducing risk of recurrence.
Return to sport and activity
Return is based on objective criteria:
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Pain-free performance of functional and sport-specific movements
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Adequate strength and balance of adductors and surrounding muscles
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Gradual increase in intensity and volume
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Confidence and readiness for sport-specific tasks
Most athletes can safely return to training and competition following structured rehabilitation.
Book an assessment for adductor-related groin pain
If you experience groin or inner thigh pain, our physiotherapists can assess your hip and adductor function, identify contributing factors, and create a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Learn more about hip & groin injuries & physiotherapy
Explore our other shoulder condition pages to understand evidence-based assessment, rehabilitation, and return-to-activity strategies:
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) & Hip-Related Groin Pain | Gluteal Tendinopathy (Lateral Hip Pain) | Adductor-Related Groin Pain | Hip Osteoarthritis | Hip Labral Tears
Our physiotherapists provide individualised programs focused on restoring movement, strength, and long-term hip and groin health.
