Adductor Tendon Injuries Treatment Options

Can adductor tendon injuries be treated without surgery?

Most adductor tendon injuries are treated successfully without surgery. Non-operative treatment of adductor tendon injuries includes rest, icing, compression, elevation, anti-inflammatory medications, and after 48 hours, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. However, progression depends upon pain. Physical therapy may be indicated. When necessary, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections under ultrasound guidance can improve the condition. PRP uses your own blood to create a concentrated solution of platelets to heal muscle strains. It is a minimally invasive procedure that may be recommended along with conservative measures to treat pain and facilitate quicker return to play in athletes with Grade 1 and 2 acute adductor tendon strains.

What are the surgical options for adductor tendon injuries?

A grade 3 tear such as a traumatic rupture of the adductor longus tendon may require surgery.  When there is also an avulsion injury, meaning the tendon is torn along with a piece of bone, surgery to reattach the tendon (and bone) may be considered. Surgery may be recommended for active and professional athletes when conservative measures fail to relieve pain, or if time lost to conservative treatment is too costly to the athlete. The procedure involves reattaching the adductor tendon to the bone.

How long does it take to recover from an adductor tendon injury?

Generally, healing from a Grade 2 groin strain can take 3-6 weeks. Healing from a Grade 3 rupture can take up to 4 months.

What are the long-term effects of untreated adductor tendon injuries?

The best results are achieved when the adductor tendon injury is treated within 24 to 48 hours after injury. When left untreated, adductor tendon injuries can progress in severity.

How to prevent adductor tendon injuries?

Preventing adductor tendon injuries, especially for individuals involved in activities that place stress on the groin and inner thigh muscles, requires a combination of strategies to improve strength, flexibility, and biomechanics. Here are some tips to help prevent adductor tendon injuries:

Proper Warm-Up

Always start your physical activity with a thorough warm-up that includes dynamic stretching and mobility exercises for the hip and groin muscles. This helps prepare your adductor muscles and tendons for the demands of exercise.

Gradual Progression

Avoid overexertion and sudden increases in training intensity or volume. Gradually progress your workouts to allow your body to adapt and become stronger over time. Pay attention to any warning signs of discomfort or pain in the groin area. If you experience pain or discomfort, especially during physical activity, stop and seek medical advice if necessary.

Strengthening Exercises

Incorporate exercises that target the adductor muscles into your regular training routine. Focus on both the inner thigh and outer hip muscles to maintain muscle balance. Examples of exercises include leg adductions, lateral leg raises, and clamshells.

Core Strength

A strong core can help stabilize your pelvis and reduce strain on the adductor muscles. Include exercises that strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscles.

Flexibility

Perform regular stretching exercises to maintain flexibility in the hip and groin area. Incorporate static stretches and dynamic stretches to improve range of motion.

Proper Technique

Ensure that you are using proper form and technique during exercises and activities. Seek guidance from a coach or trainer if needed, especially for sports that involve quick changes in direction.

Footwear

Wear appropriate footwear for your sport or activity, as improper footwear can affect your biomechanics and lead to injuries.

Rest and Recovery

Allow your body sufficient time to recover between intense workouts or activities. Rest is crucial for muscle and tendon healing and adaptation.

Hydration and Nutrition

Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support muscle health and overall performance.

Cross-Training

Incorporate cross-training activities to reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Variety in your workouts can help prevent muscle imbalances.

Proper Rehabilitation

If you’ve had a previous adductor tendon injury, ensure that you complete a full rehabilitation program to regain strength and flexibility and reduce the risk of re-injury.

If you suspect you have an adductor tendon injury or are experiencing groin pain, contact Dr. Chahla today to schedule a hip evaluation. Dr. Jorge Chahla is a sports medicine orthopedic hip surgeon in Chicago, Illinois who specializes in the treatment of hip and adductor tendon injuries. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of sports medicine and is a pioneer in novel therapies, including adductor tendon injuries. Dr. Chahla’s focus is on customized and personalized care to meet the needs of each of his patients. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.