Progression of Adductor Tendinopathy:

Adductor tendinopathy is considered a chronic (long term or recurring) adductor strain which involves stretching of your adductor muscles that can range from slightly pulled muscles (grade 1) to partial tears in your adductor muscles (grade 2) to complete adductor muscle tears (grade 3). It generally starts as adductor tendinitis and progresses to adductor tendinosis which results in more tendon damage but less inflammation.

Minor - Grade 1 Adductor Strains involve stretching of your adductor muscles which results in slightly pulled muscles or very small tears in your muscles. You will generally feel mild cramping which will be a little tender or uncomfortable, but will involve no swelling or no loss of strength.

Moderate - Grade 2 Adductor Strains are more painful and involve a partial tearing of the adductor fibers in your muscle, tendon, or at the tendon attachment to your bone. You will generally experience some pain, along with swelling, decreased range of motion and strength, as well as difficulty walking or running. Your adductors will often be painful when you touch them.

Severe - Grade 3 Adductor Strains involve a complete tear (rupture) of your adductor muscle fibers generally at your muscle/tendon and pubic bone attachment, it is very painful and more rare than the others. You will tend to experience a burning or stabbing pain, a lot of swelling and minimal strength, which may prevent you from walking without assistance or make it impossible for you to run. Bruising in the injured area is common a few days after the accident. This type of strain may require a surgical repair. This tear often results from an acute injury however it can turn chronic if not treated properly in the beginning.

The majority of adductor strains are grade 1 or 2 strains that involve partial muscle or tendon tears that occur near the musculotendinous junction, where your adductor tendon and muscle meet.

Should you seek medical attention?

This is up to your discretion; however any continued discomfort in your groin or pelvis area should be investigated. If you continue to experience adductor tendinitis or tendinopathy symptoms and have tried the suggested conservative treatments (see conservative treatments for adductor tendinopathy), it is recommended that you seek professional medical attention. If you experience any of the symptoms noted below it is recommended that you seek immediate attention:

• Severe pain and tenderness


• Problems or swelling in or around the genitalia (penis, scrotum, testicles). A cut, lump or bulge or bleeding in your groin area.


• Major hip/thigh movement problems causing a severe limp and/or "popping noises" Urinary problem.


• A groin rash.


• Postoperative problems after a groin operation.

Exposure to an STD.
• Groin pain has not improved after 1 week, where symptoms are more severe or frequent. Signs of shock (lightheadedness, restlessness, shallow breathing, sweating, weakness, nausea) or a severe fever.