Muscles Stretched
The groin stretch stretches the adductor brevis, adductor longus, adductor magnus, and gracilis muscles.c The adductor brevis is a triangular muscle, positioned in the thigh, that assists in hip adduction and flexion. The adductor brevis is the shortest of the three adductor muscles in the thigh.c
The adductor longus is the second largest of the three adductor muscles, and also assists with the adduction and flexion of the hip.c The adductori magnus is the largest of the group, and the largest groin muscle, referred to as having two sections, the hamstring and the adductors.c Performing the groin stretch can aid in the prevention and rehabilitation of groin strains and injuries.
Step 1: Warming Up Before Stretching
Before beginning the groin stretch, gently stretch the legs and back by doing a short series of back twists, holding each twist for several seconds. Then, slowly reach toward your toes, allowing for the lower back and hamstrings to stretch. Warming the muscles before beginning physical activities can help in the prevention of muscle strains and injuries brought on my overstretching and improper positioning during the stretch.c
Step 2: Performing the Stretch
Begin the groin stretch by standing with your feet apart, just beyond your shoulders, ensuring that the knees are straight. Bend the right knee out to the side, and lean toward the right side of the body. Hold this position for 20 seconds.c
Step 3: Stretch Variations
If you prefer to stretch the groin while sitting, or cannot comfortably perform the groin stretch standing, you can stretch the adductor muscles by positioning yourself on the floor and sitting with your legs apart. Ensuring that your legs are spread as far as they can comfortably go, and that your knees remain straight, lean forward towards the floor. Lean from the hips, and make sure that the back is straight. Once a comfortable stretch has been achieved, hold the position for 20 seconds.c c
Tips and Suggestions
- To avoid injuries and strains to the groin, it is better to under stretch the muscles as opposed to over stretching.
- Warming up before beginning the groin stretch will help to prevent muscle strains during the stretch series.
- If at any time you feel pain during the stretch, stop. Pain is an indication of muscle strain.
