Adductor tendonitis is when the tendon that connects the adductor muscles (inner thigh muscles) to the pelvis becomes inflamed or irritated. It usually happens from overuse or sudden overload, especially in sports involving sprinting, kicking, or changing direction, and causes pain in the groin or inner thigh.

An analogy…

Think of the adductor tendon like a rope attaching your inner thigh muscles to your pelvis. If that rope gets pulled or strained too much without enough recovery, it becomes frayed and inflamed, that’s adductor tendonitis.

What are other names that adductor tendonitis can be called?

Adductor Tendinopathy, Adductor Tendinitis, Adductor Tendinosis, Groin Tendonitis, Groin Tendinopathy, Groin Tendinitis, Groin Tendinosis

What causes adductor tendonitis?

The adductors are a group of muscles that pull your legs toward the midline (like squeezing your knees together). Their tendons attach to the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis. Repetitive stress, tightness, weakness, or sudden overload can cause micro-tears and inflammation where the tendon attaches, leading to groin pain and stiffness.

What are the signs and symptoms of adductor tendonitis?

• Pain or tenderness in the groin or upper inner thigh
• Pain that worsens with activities like sprinting, cutting, kicking, or lunging
• Tenderness at the adductor origin near the pubic bone
• Tightness or pulling sensation along the inner thigh
• Pain when squeezing the legs together
• Stiffness or aching, especially after rest or intense activity

What tests are used to diagnose adductor tendonitis?

Palpation: Pressing over the pubic bone and adductor tendons reproduces pain

Resisted adduction test: Asking the patient to squeeze their legs together against resistance; pain confirms tendon involvement

How long does adductor tendonitis take to heal?

Mild cases often improve in 2 to 4 weeks with rest and rehab. Moderate cases can take 6 to 8 weeks to fully heal. Chronic tendonitis (lasting months) may take 3 to 6 months to fully resolve with a structured rehab plan.

How does adductor tendonitis happen?

• Sudden increase in running or kicking activities
• Poor hip or core strength leading to overload on the adductors
• Tight adductors or hip flexors limiting movement
• Poor warm-up routines before activity
• Muscle imbalances between the glutes, core, and inner thigh muscles
• Prolonged sitting with poor hip mobility

What treatment can help adductor tendonitis?

• Rest from aggravating activities
• Ice application in the early stages
• Manual therapy (massage, dry needling, or soft tissue release)
• Progressive strengthening
• Stretching the hip and adductor muscles carefully
• Postural and movement correction for running, kicking, or lifting

What exercises or stretches can I do for adductor tendonitis?

• Isometric adductor squeezes
• Side-lying hip adduction exercises
• Glute and core strengthening
• Gentle adductor and hip flexor stretches
• Movement retraining for sprinting, cutting, or kicking mechanics

What products can help with adductor tendonitis?

• KT Trigger Ball
• KT Pilates Band Pack
• Wheatbag