9/3/2020 Adductor Tendinopathy - Physiopedia

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Adductor Tendinopathy
Original Editor - Gaëlle Vertriest (/User:Ga%C3%ABlle_Vertriest) as part of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Evidence-Based Practice Project (/Vrije_Universiteit_Brussel_Evidence-based_Practice_Project)

Top Contributors - Scott Cornish (/User:Scott_Cornish), Gaëlle Vertriest (/User:Ga%C3%ABlle_Vertriest),

Mariam Hashem (/User:Mariam_Hashem), Wanda van Niekerk (/User:Wanda_van_Niekerk) and Amanda
Ager (/User:Amanda_Ager)

Contents
1 Description
2 Clinically Relevant Anatomy
3 Aetiology
4 Characteristics
5 Differential Diagnosis
6 Diagnostic Procedures
7 Outcome Measures
8 Prevention
9 Medical Management
10 Physical Therapy Management
11 Treatment
12 Clinical Bottom Line
13 References

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Description
Adductor tendinopathy describes a number of conditions that develop in and around the tendon in response to
chronic overuse [1] At a histopathological level there are changes in the molecular structure of the tendon,
typically collagen separation and collagen degeneration [1] and at a macroscopic level typically see tendon
thickening, a loss of mechanical mechanical properties and pain [2]. The role of inflammation is still debated as
research has demonstrated that there is usually an absence of inflammatory cells around the lesion [3] hence
the terminology 'tendonitis' is outdated. The adductors consists of 5 muscles, which can be divided into the
long and short adductors: the long adductors (Gracilis and Adductor Magnus) attach at the pelvis extending to

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the knee and the short adductors (Pectineus, Adductor Brevis and Longus) also attach at the pelvis and
extend to the thigh bone. These adductor muscles help to stabilise the pelvis and pull the legs towards the mid
line (adduction).[4]

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

The adductor muscles extend from the lower pelvic bone, attaching to the lower femur area around the knee
and sit in between the flexor and extensor muscles of the thigh. They are used when we cross our legs and
help to balance the pelvis in standing and walking.

Adductor Magnus is the largest muscle of the group, sitting posterior to the others. There are 2 parts to the
muscle, the adductor part and the hamstring part. The adductor part extends from the inferior pubic ramus and
the ischila ramus attaching to the linea aspera of the femur and the medial epicondyle (its tendonous
insertion). The hamstring part extends from the ischial tuberosity to the adductor tubercle and the medial
supracondyle line. Its actions are adduction, aiding in flexion of the thigh (adductor part) and in extension of
the thigh (hamstring part).

Adductor Longus extends from the superior pubic ramus and the pubic symphysis attaching at the linea
aspera. It is a large and flat fan shaped muscle which forms part of the medial border of the femoral triangle. It
also forms an aponeurosis at its distal attachment which extends to the vastus medialus muscle. It adducts
and medially rotates the thigh.

Adductor Brevis sits under longus and extends from the inferior pubic ramus to the posterior aspect of the
linea aspera. Brevis adducts the thigh.

Gracilis is the only 2 joint muscle, extending from its attachment at the inferior border of the pubic symphysis
to the medial surface of the tibia, inserting into the pes anserinus between the tendons of sartorius and
semitendinosus. It is the most superficial of the group and acts to adduct the thigh and flex the leg at the
knee.

Aetiology
The adductors are active in many sports such as, running, football, horse riding, gymnastics and swimming.
The repetitive nature of the movements in some of these sports and the constant change of direction in others
heavily stresses the adductor tendon.[4] which makes athletes more prevalent to adductor tendinopathy and
also groin injuries. Other causes can be over stretching of the adductor tendons [4] or a sudden increase in
training or the type of training, such as intensity.

The development of adductor tendinopathy is multifactorial. One such factor is a significant leg length
discrepancy (https://www.physio-pedia.com/Leg_Length_Discrepancy) which affects gait pattern. (although
there is no clarification as to what what is significant). Poor or altered movement patterns during physical
activity may also overly stress the adductor tendons. Muscular length differences, strength imbalances or
muscular weakness in the lower limb or the abdominals can also be influential in developing adductor
tendinopathy. Other factors can be; a lack of warming up, inactivity, fatigue, obesity, age-related weaknesses,
degeneration or genetics.[4] Exact pathology is however, unclear.

Characteristics
Adductor tendinopathy is usually felt as groin pain on palpation of the adductor tendons, adduction of the legs
and/or of the affected leg. Pain can develop gradually or appear an acute, sharp pain.[4]
A swelling or a lump may also be felt affected in the adductor muscle(s), stiffness in the groin area or an
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inability to contract or stretch the adductors. In severe cases physical activities will be restricted [4] as the
tendon can no longer sustain repeated tensile loading.

Differential Diagnosis
The causes of groin pain can be numerous due to musculotendinous, neurologic and internal structures in the
area with Osteitis Pubis being difficult to distinguish from Adductor tendinopthy. Other diagnosis' can be;
sports or inguinal hernia (/Inguinal_Hernia), iliopsoaas bursitis (/Iliopsoas_Bursitis), stress fracture, avulsion
fracture, nerve compression (/Nerve_entrapment), snapping hip syndrome (/Snapping_Hip_Syndrome) or
chronic prostatitis (/Chronic_Pelvic_Pain_Syndrome_-_Male).

Diagnostic Procedures
A physiotherapist can make an objective diagnosis following a thorough assessment or further investigations
can be undertaken such as; Ultrasound, MRI or CT-scan.[4]

Outcome Measures
An outcome measure (https://www.physio-pedia.com/Category:Outcome_Measures) is the return to sport at
the previous level without pain.

Prevention
To prevent the development of adductor tendinopathy, an athlete should ideally engage in a strength and
conditioning programme to work on the factors mentioned, such as improving strength and coordination of the
muscles, but allowing sufficient periods of recovery and adaptation in between training sessions, i.e. not too
much training too soon. [4]

The athlete has to develop muscular strength and stability around the groin and pelvic areas by engaging in
specific exercises relevant to the demands of their activity/sport and with different levels of difficulty, such as
training for speed and jumping. Another important aspect is muscular flexibility. Regular stretching is
recommended. Products such as mobility and muscular supports may also help by alleviating high impacts.[4]

Medical Management
Pain relief is recommended in the first instance, although NSAIDS may be ineffective due to non inflammatory
nature of the injury. Steroid injections are not always indicated due to the potential for tendon rupture if
injected directly into the tendon.

Physical Therapy Management

Physiotherapy is recommended for the treatment of adductor tendinopathy, where active therapy through an
exercise programme is superior to a more passive treatment approach, although there is no gold standard for
rehabilitation of the tendon. Recovery is highly variable across individuals as the condition may be
degenerative or a failed healing from loading. Individuals may respond well to rehabilitation programmes or
the in some cases the tendon may be unresponsive to a range of treatment. Strengthening abdominal core
muscles is also recommended to support the adductors during activity as well as hip flexor exercises.

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Exercises should then be tailored to the athlete's specific sport to avoid recurrence. In acute cases, a return to
a normal function can be within in a few weeks, but in more chronic cases, rehabilitation can take a number of
months before returning to normal, pain free, activities.[4]

Treatment
Treatment consists of rest from aggravating activities for an acute injury in the first 48 hours. Apply RICE
treatment 3 times a day for 10-20 minutes to help reduce swelling and inflammation from any sudden
trauma.[4] When the swelling has decreased, blood flow stimulation therapy may be started to increase the
healing process. Active treatment is then indicated to maximise rehabilitation. The aim of rehabilitation is to
restore muscle and tendon properties, where strength training is beneficial to the tendon matrix structure,
muscle properties and limb biomechanics [5] Recent evidence suggests that eccentric based exercise
programme is the most effective as well as heavy-slow eccentric and concentric exercises for improving both
pain and function in the tendon, but Cook et al have proposed that a new, 3 stage model of tendinopathy
where exercise treatment differs between stages. They suggest that the current treatment protocol of eccentric
loading, used for stages 2 and 3, could be detrimental for a stage 1 tendinopathy. For effective treatment
identifying the stage of the tendinopathy is crucial.

Load provides a positive stimulus to both the tendon and muscle tissues, yet no single effective method exists
for tendon rehabilitation, with variations in repetitions, sets and the load applied depending on the stage of
rehabilitation and the patient's muscle-tendon response to the exercises. Exercises aim to address the
neuromuscular and tendon changes (strength and capacity) in tendinopathy. .

These stages that Cook et al propose are: reactive tendinopathy, tendon disrepair (failed healing) and
degenerative tendinopathy. In the early, reactive stages, the key is to modify the load to a tolerable level
whereby the tendon can recover and heal. Cook suggests however that tendons can have a latent response of
around 24hours. This means that what feels un-reactive immediately following activity may flare up 24hours
later. At this stage, the use of NSAIDS is inconclusive, but it is suggested that their use may be of benefit.
Always consult your GP before taking any medications. [6]

Stretching is also not indicated in the reactive stage as it can produce a compressive force on the affected
tendon, aggravating the symptoms. An option is massage to maintain muscle length. In this acute stage the
advised treatment is isometric exercise over eccentric (resisting load, but without movement) along with rest
from the aggravating activity, where rest is relative for the individual. i.e. rest from the aggravating activities
which may be speed, distance, intensity and to be wary of any pain that may appear 24 hours later. Symptoms
and pain response will have to be the guide and cross training is advised to maintain fitness and function.
Reversal of changes within the tendon are possible at this stage.

A tendinopathy in stage 2 can usually be characterised by an ongoing discomfort with localised thickening of
the tendon from chronic overload and may be seen in patients of varying ages depending on; the length of
time over which loading has taken place, frequency of loading and the intensity. Stage 2 can be difficult to
distinguish clinically and some reversal may be possible, but load management for the long term health of the
tendon is advised to stimulate the load structure. [6]

With a stage 3 degenerative tendinopathy, the matrix and cell changes are progressed to a level that no
reversal is possible, so treatment and management is aimed at the long term, consisting of eccentric loading,
strengthening and stability exercises. A degenerative tendon is usually seen in the older athlete and
occasionally in the younger depending on the extend of the chronic overloading. There may be areas of
thickening and acute bouts of pain may indicate areas of stage 1 tendinopathy within the tendon. With a

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heavily degenerative tendon, there is also the risk of rupture. [7] Treatment therefore needs to reflect the
symptoms; as per stage 1 until the acute pain settles, then a long term programme of exercises as mentioned
above.

Malliarus et al [8]however suggest that there is little evidence for isolating the eccentric component in
tendinopathy rehabilitation of the achilles and patellar tendon, instead that a programme of eccentric,
concentric and isometric had the best outcomes.

There is no one way to treat the tendinopathy, so working with a physiotherapist to manage the symptoms is
advised as is how to use rest [9] along with a graded return to activity. Once any symptoms have resolved, a
graded return to normal stretching activities can also begin.

Stretching should never be painful activity however.

A few examples of adductor stretches:

1. The short adductors:

sit in a position as below. Sit as tall as possible, avoid slumping
through the lower back.
Gently press the elbows onto the knees until the stretch is felt
Hold for 20-30 seconds Repeat 3-4 times[10][11] [12]

2. The long adductors:

Stand and open the legs to a wide stance.
Flex the opposite knee leaning to this side until the stretch is
felt
Hold for 20-30 seconds[4]. Repeat 3-4 times[10][11][12]

(/File:237.jpg)
237.jpg

Example exercises:

An example of an isometric exercise: sit on a chair

with the resistance band above the knee and hold the
leg in an adducted position, against the resistance of
the band. Holed for as long as is comfortable.
Resistance can be adjusted by putting more or less
stretch on the band.

(/File:246.gif)

An example exercise, to strengthen the adductors:

Stand near a table with a resistance band around the
ankle of the affected leg. Stand on a block with the (/File:236.jpg)
unaffected leg so that the affected leg can swing
freely. Keeping the back and knee straight, slowly take
the leg away from the midline. Then adduct the leg.[4]
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Clinical Bottom Line

Understanding the stage of the tendinopathy is key to effective treatment and the long
term management of symptoms. There is the chance of symptom reversal in the early
stages, but a degenerative tendon requires a programme of long term management to
avoid rupture or the need to completely stop activity. There is no single approach to
the treatment and management of tendinopathy with individuals varying in their
(/File:245.gif) response. Medical management may be used where exercise treatment is having no
effect, for the immediate relief of pain, but caution has to be used with the use of
245.gif
steroids.

Related articles

Groin Strain - Physiopedia

Definition/Description A groin strain is an injury to the muscle-tendon unit that produces pain on palpation of the adductor
tendons or its insertion on the pubic bone with or without pain during resisted adduction.[1] Groin muscle strains are

Peroneal Tendinopathy - Physiopedia

Definition/Description Peroneal tendinitis is a condition that can be acute or become chronic (peroneal tendinopathy) whereby
there is an irritation to one or both peroneal tendons with subsequent degeneration and inflammation. Clinically Relevant

Adductor Brevis - Physiopedia

Original Editor - Lucinda hampton Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Kim Jackson 
 Original Editor - Top Contributors
- Lucinda hampton and Kim Jackson Contents 1 Origin 2 Insertion 3 Nerve 4 Artery 5 Function 6 Clinical relevance- Adductor

Tendinopathy - Physiopedia
Definition/Description Tendinopathy is a failed healing response of the tendon, with haphazard proliferation of tenocytes,
intracellular abnormalities in tenocytes, disruption of collagen fibers, and a subsequent increase in noncollagenous matrix.[1]

Popliteus Tendinopathy - Physiopedia

Definition/Description Theoretically speaking, popliteus tendinopathy, also known as popliteus tendon tenosynovitis is a gap
in the tendon of the popliteus. Popliteus is quite an uncommon pathology which often occurs in athletes and people with a

References
1. Khan KM, Cook JL, Bonar F, Harcourt P, Astrom M. Histopathology of common tendinopathies. Update
and implications for clinical management. Sports Med. 1999;27:393–408
2. Soslowsky LJ, Thomopoulos S, Tun S, Flanagan CL, Keefer CC, Mastaw J, Carpenter JE. Neer Award
1999. Overuse activity injures the supraspinatus tendon in an animal model: a histologic and
biomechanical study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2000;9:79–84
3. Puddu G et al. (1976) A classification of Achilles tendon disease. Am J Sports Med 4: 145–150
4. http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/10426550/adductor-tendonitis-adductor-tendinopathy-
phys.htmfckLRfckLRfckLRfckLR (http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/10426550/adductor-tendonitis-
adductor-tendinopathy-phys.htmfckLRfckLRfckLRfckLR)
5. Ebonie Rio; Dawson Kidgell; G Lorimer Moseley; Jamie Gaida; Sean Docking; Craig Purdam; Jill Cook,
Changing the Way we Think About Tendon Rehabilitation A Narrative Review Br J Sports Med.
2016;50(4):209-215.

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6. Cook JL1, Purdam CRIs tendon pathology a continuum? A pathology model to explain the clinical
presentation of load-induced tendinopathy. Br J Sports Med. 2009 Jun;43(6):409-16.
7. Nehrer S, Breitenseher M, Brodner W, et al. Clinical and sonographic evaluation of the risk of rupture in
the Achilles tendon. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 1997;116:14–18.
8. Malliaras, P., Barton, C.J., Reeves, N.D. et al. Achilles and Patellar Tendinopathy Loading Programmes,
Sports Med (2013) 43: 267.
9. Groom, T: Tendinopathy - the importance of staging and role of compression, Running injuries. 2013
March
10. Holmich P, Uhrskou P, Ulnits L, et al: Effectiveness of active physical training as treatment for long-
standing adductor-related groin pain in athletes: Randomised trial. Lancet 353: 439-443, 1999
11. Tyler TF, Nicholas SJ., Campbell RJ., Donellan S., McHugh MP.,The effectiveness of a preseason
exercise program to prevent adductor muscle strains in professional ice hockey players, American Journal
of Sports Medicine, Sept-Oct, 2002
12. Morelli V, Smith V.,Groin injuries in athletes.,Am Fam Physician. 2001 Oct 15;64(8):1405-14.

: Vrije Universiteit Brussel Project (/Category:Vrije_Universiteit_Brussel_Project)

Sports Medicine (/Category:Sports_Medicine) Sports Injuries (/Category:Sports_Injuries)
Tendinopathy (/Category:Tendinopathy) Conditions (/Category:Conditions) Hip (/Category:Hip)
Hip - Conditions (/Category:Hip_-_Conditions)

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