Are your groin muscles truly tight or already in a stretched position? 

By: Peter Stamos

The human body is a highly complex system composed of over six hundred muscles that span multiple joints and can move in three planes of motion. Each plane offers two possibilities, resulting in a total of six potential directions for muscle movement.

One important group of muscles is the adductors, located in the inner thighs. Their primary function is to bring the thigh bone closer to the body’s midline. However, this is just one of the directions in which these muscles can operate. The other two directions of movement can vary among the different muscles within this group.

Since the adductors are attached to both the thigh and the pelvis, they directly influence the position of each. By observing the positions and motions of joints and bones, we can gain a better understanding of how the adductors impact our bodies. However, I tend to focus more on joint motion rather than joint position when assessing the adductors. This is because considering only joint position can be misleading, making it appear as if someone is in a position they are not.

For example, if someone is bow-legged, you might assume their hip is externally rotated, which would lengthen the adductors. In some cases, this assumption is correct, but in others, it isn’t. There are numerous possibilities, and I try not to make assumptions. To truly understand someone, it is essential to assess the individual rather than relying on a generic protocol.

Please watch this video by Core Exercise Solutions for more information.