The hip adductors include the adductor brevis, adductor longus, adductor magnus and gracilis muscles -- they cross the inside of the joint and attach to the inside of your thigh except the gracilis, which attaches to the tibia bone below your knee. The rehabilitation protocol for hip-adductor pain varies depending on the cause. Generally, rehab for hip adductor pain warrants rest and pain-management interventions followed by physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength to the affected muscle or muscles. Consult your doctor and a rehabilitation specialist to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Initial Care
The initial-care protocol for any type of hip adductor pain involves a period of rest to allow the healing process to begin. If you've suffered a muscle strain, for example, you should rest for at least 48 to 72 hours before starting physical therapy, according to William Prentice, author of "Essentials of Athletic Injury Management." Intermittent cold treatments and pressure may also help, depending on the nature of your pain. You might also consider taking medications to alleviate the pain and minimize inflammation, but use them only as directed and not at all if you're allergic to any of the ingredients.
Stretching Exercises
Once your doctor allows you to do so, perform stretching exercises daily to restore your flexibility and range of motion. Stretch gently, especially at first, to avoid aggravating your injury. Lengthen the affected muscles by abducting your hips, or spreading your legs apart, from a lying, sitting or standing position. Stop when you feel light tension, then hold for 10 to 30 seconds. Progressively increase the range of motion over time.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening the involved muscles is another key element in the rehabilitation process for hip-adductor pain. This involves contracting the hip adductors repeatedly against external resistance. For example, you can lie on the same side as your painful leg and raise and lower it repeatedly -- or you can use a resistance band to provide resistance as you adduct and abduct your hip repeatedly from a standing position. Start with light resistance and gradually increase the intensity. Consult your doctor if you suffer any setbacks.
Protective Wrapping
Wearing a protective wrap may be necessary if you've suffered a muscle strain, until your flexibility and strength are back to pre-injury levels, according to "Essentials of Athletic Injury Management" by William Prentice and Daniel Arnheim. This helps provide support while the muscles heal, minimizing your risk for aggravating the injury. Have a professional apply the wrap to ensure that it's done correctly. You can also purchase a restraint to use instead of a protective wrap, which is desirable if no one is available to wrap your leg properly.
References
- "Basic Biomechanics"; Susan J. Hall; 2007
- "Essentials of Athletic Injury Management"; William Prentice and Daniel Arnheim; 2008
- ExRx.net: Hip Adductors
