Injuries to the adductor area, and more specifically the symphysis pubis area, are among the most common in professional soccer players.They are challenging to diagnose and treat. The generally accepted term for these injuries is "Groin injuries".
Muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments and joints interact and depend on each other. Therefore, it is extremely important to systematically examine both soft tissues and joints. The adductors, hip flexors and abdominal muscles are the main structures in this area at risk of injury.
The abdominal and adductor muscles attach to the pubic symphysis but act antagonistically to each other, predisposing the symphysis to mechanical microtrauma. These antagonistic forces are most prevalent in kicking sports, such as football.
Adductor injuries can occur suddenly, with a strong muscle contraction, such as kicking or a sudden change of direction. Very often the localization of the injury itself is in the area where the tendon catches on the bone (symphysis pubis).
It is known that a large percentage of injuries affecting tendons occur with repetitive actions, overuse or so-called overuse injuries. They are characterized by a gradual increase in symptoms. In the beginning, there is pain and stiffness after physical activity, which subsides relatively quickly. Gradually, pain and discomfort occur at the start of the sporting activity, resolving as the body temperature rises, but may recur during the activity. The same pattern can be seen in athletes who return after an initial acute injury to the adductor area without having received the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
As mentioned, complaints can be related to the adductors, hip flexors and abdominal muscles. Often manual resistance or stretching of the designated muscle group is painful and can serve as a test.
Fast and explosive movements, such as abrupt changes of direction, sprints and kicks are painful. Sudden abdominal contractions such as sneezing and coughing can also be painful. Often, athletes suffering from adductor pain experience limitation of rotation in the hip joints and low back pain. In diagnosis, it is important to distinguish the following diagnoses:
The role of the physiotherapist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this type of injury is extremely important. Providing individual treatment and injury prevention programs plays a key role in getting an injured athlete back on the field faster and with better quality, and in increasing player performance. Consider circumstances such as changes in an athlete's workload, greater distances or weights, changes in equipment, surface or technique and how the development of complaints are related to the change in these indicators. Whether the athlete has had previous adductor injuries and whether symptoms have changed.
The combination of ultrasound therapy and IASTM technique at Okto is suitable for this type of trauma, increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
