Acupuncture for Adductor Magnus Pain
A person with inner thigh pain
Do you experience discomfort or pain in the upper thigh or groin area? The adductor magnus, a large muscle located in the inner thigh, could be the source. This blog post explores the adductor magnus, its common trigger points, and how acupuncture and dry needling might be effective treatments for pain relief and improved muscle function.
About the Muscle
The adductor magnus is a substantial muscle in the inner thigh, playing a key role in hip adduction (movement towards the body’s midline), flexion, and extension. This muscle contributes significantly to lower body movements and stability.
It is located in the thigh, and is one of the four adductor muscles. This group of muscles located on the inner side of the thigh is primarily responsible for adducting, or bringing together, the legs. The other three adductor muscles are the adductor longus, adductor brevis, and gracilis.
The adductor magnus muscle is the largest of the adductor muscles and has two distinct parts: the adductor part (pubofemoral) and the hamstring part (ischiocondylar). The adductor part originates on the pubis bone and inserts on the femur bone, near the adductor tubercle. It is responsible for adducting the thigh at the hip joint, as well as for rotating the thigh medially. The hamstring part of adductor magnus originates on the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis bone and inserts on the femur bone, near the linea aspera. It is responsible for extending the hip joint.
The adductor magnus muscle is often targeted in exercises aimed at strengthening the inner thigh, such as leg adductions, squats, and lunges. Strengthening the adductor magnus can help to improve hip and knee stability and prevent injuries in these joints.
It is also worth noting that muscle imbalances between the adductor muscles and the hip abductors (muscles located on the outside of the thigh) can lead to compensations in movement patterns that can cause overuse injuries and chronic pain. Additionally, the adductor magnus muscle is a common site of injury among athletes and people who participate in sports that involve running, kicking, and sudden changes in direction.
Adductor muscles
Pain in the muscle can be from an adductor magnus strain, but more commonly pain is caused by trigger points in various areas of the muscle. It is often associated with pelvic pain, painful intercourse, as well as menstrual issues or stress incontinence and is a commonly overlooked source for these types of pain.
Common Indications for Pain Adductor Magnus Trigger Points
Pelvic Pain
Stress Incontinence or Anal/Genital/Perineal pain
Anterior Thigh Pain
Medial Thigh Pain
Menstrual Problems, Pelvic Pain
Painful Intercourse
Adductor Magnus Actions
Adduct the hip
Medially rotate the hip
Assist to flex hip
Posterior fibers:
Extend the hip
The main adductor magnus function is to adduct and internally rotate the hip. The posterior fibers (adductor magnus hamstring part) also extend the hip which is why this muscle is often nicknamed “the fourth hamstring,” but it does not cross the knee so does not flex the knee like the hamstring muscles.
Origin and Insertion of Adductor Magnus
Adductor Magnus Origin
Inferior ramus of the pubis, ramus of the ischium and ischial tuberosity
Subscapularis Insertion
Medial lip of linea aspera and adductor tubercle
The adductor magnus insertion is along the femur. Since this muscle does not cross the knee it only acts on the hip.
Signs and Symptoms of Adductor Magnus Trigger Points
Intrapelvic pain that can be local to vagina or rectum, or that can feel diffuse and deep in the pelvis
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain along anteromedial thigh and groin areas
Causes of Adductor Magnus Pain
Overuse or trauma to a muscle is a common cause, here are some specific to this muscle:
Sudden overload like when slipping
Resisting hip abduction
Hip surgery
Osteoarthritis
Running uphill or downhill
Skiing or long bike ride
Misstep
Adductor Magnus Trigger Points
Adductor magnus trigger points
Where are Adductor Magnus Trigger Points?
Trigger Point #1 (TrP#1) is located in the midportion of the muscle - it is the most common area for trigger points to form.
Trigger Point #2 (TrP#2) is located more proximal (higher up) closer to the pubic bone. There can be two trigger point areas in the zone.
Adductor Magnus Trigger Point Referral Pattern
TrP#1 area: refers pain up into groin below inguinal ligament and downward over anteromedial aspect of thigh almost all the way to the knee.
This groin pain feels deep and it is difficult for the patient to pinpoint exactly where it is.
TrP#2 area: general internal pelvic pain which may include: pubic bone, vagina, rectum, or bladder.
This pain feels like internal pelvic pain and can include the pubic bone, vagina, rectum, bladder, and penis. The pain can feel like an exploding firecracker that shoots up inside the pelvis (very painful).
Associated Trigger Points
Other adductors
Vastus medialis
Differential Diagnosis
Groin and medial thigh pain
Articular dysfunction
Osteitis pubis
Pubic stress fracture
Synergists and Antagonists
Synergists:
Hip Adduction:
Pectinus and gracilis
Medial Rotation of Hip:
Anterior gluteus minimus
Hip Extension
Hamstrings
Antagonists:
Hip Abduction mucles:
Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae
Lateral rotation muscles:
Gluteus maximus, posterior gluteus minimus, iliopsoas
Antagonist of adductor magnus performs the opposite functions.
Treatment for Adductor Magnus Pain
Acupuncture and dry needling are highly effective in addressing pain and trigger points associated with the adductor magnus muscle. Whether the discomfort is due to strains, overuse, or specific conditions like adductor tendinopathy, these treatments provide a targeted and non-invasive approach to alleviate symptoms.
For athletes and individuals engaged in activities involving extensive leg movement, addressing adductor magnus trigger points is crucial. These trigger points can significantly impact performance and comfort, leading to pain in the inner thigh and groin area. Acupuncture and dry needling, by targeting these specific points, can help in relieving this discomfort and restoring normal muscle function.
The adductor magnus can play a role in conditions like osteitis pubis and athletic groin pain, where imbalance or overuse of the muscle contributes to the symptoms. The strategic application of acupuncture and dry needling can be particularly beneficial in such cases, offering relief from pain and aiding in the recovery process.
Furthermore, pain in the adductor magnus can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions like hip joint pathology or even referred pain from the lower back. It's not uncommon for patients with misdiagnosed hip or back issues to experience persistent discomfort due to underlying issues within the adductor magnus. In such scenarios, a careful examination and treatment of this muscle can provide unexpected but significant relief and improvement in overall mobility.
In summary, the adductor magnus, with its critical role in lower body movement and stability, can be a common source of discomfort and functional limitation. Utilizing acupuncture and dry needling for its treatment offers a safe, effective, and holistic approach to manage pain, enhance muscle function, and contribute to overall musculoskeletal health.
Corrective Actions
General:
Avoid excessive hip flexion.
Sleep Posture:
Avoid prolonged muscle shortening by not sleeping on one side for too long.
Place a pillow between knees when sleeping on the side to keep upper thigh horizontal.
Do not let the uppermost thigh droop forward toward the bed.
Sitting:
Refrain from sitting with one leg crossed over the other knee.
Avoid chairs that cause hips to be in a jackknifed position.
Driving:
Minimize immobility during long car trips with frequent stops for walking.
Utilize cruise control for active lower limb movement while driving.
Exercises:
Adductor magnus exercises involve hip adduction and hip extension - hip thrusts, wide squats, and side lunges are good exercises to work this muscle.
Stretching
Adductor magnus stretch includes things that flex the hip or abduct the hip - since these actions will lengthen the muscle.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding and effectively managing adductor magnus pain is crucial for maintaining optimal musculoskeletal health, particularly for those who are active or engaged in sports. Acupuncture and dry needling emerge as powerful allies in this journey, offering a safe, non-invasive, and holistic approach to not only alleviate pain but also address underlying muscular imbalances and trigger points.
For those struggling with pain in the adductor magnus muscle, exploring the benefits of acupuncture and dry needling can be a vital step towards recovery. Embracing these treatments can lead to a significant enhancement in quality of life, free from the constraints of pain and discomfort in the inner thigh and groin area.
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may be suffering with inner thigh or pelvic pain.
Sources:
Travell, J. G., Simons, D. G. (1993). Myofascial pain and dysfunction: The trigger point manual. London: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (2010). Trail guide to the body: A hands-on guide to locating muscles, bones and more. Boulder, CO: Books of Dicovery.
Janda, Vladimír. “Muscle Function Testing.” (1983).
Jeno SH, Launico MV, Schindler GS. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Thigh Adductor Magnus Muscle. [Updated 2023 Oct 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534842/
Kaur, S., Maurya, U. K., & Shenoy, S. (2023). Recovery of two elite footballers from adductor strain with dry needling and eccentric strengthening: Two case studies. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 35, 332–336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.043
Kim, D., Jang, S., & Park, J. (2020). Electroacupuncture and Manual Acupuncture Increase Joint Flexibility but Reduce Muscle Strength. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 8(4), 414. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8040414
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