How to release the inner thigh muscles

The inner thigh (adductor group) is made up of five muscles:

1. Pectineus
2. Adductor brevis
3. Adductor longus
4. Adductor magnus
5. Gracilis

When the foot is not planted on the ground, the adductors will bring the leg toward the midline, and flex the hip when the thigh is in an extended position as in the swing phase of the gait (walking) cycle.
The adductors play a significant role during walking and are active in all phases of the gait cycle. The adductors are a part of two important functional kinetic chains:

1. Lateral Sling: comprised of the adductors, same side gluteus medius/minimus, opposite side quadratus lumborum.  This chain is responsible for frontal plane stabilization of the lumbo/pelvic/hip complex during single leg stance (stance phase of gait), squatting and lunging.
2. Anterior Oblique Sling: comprised of the adductors, same side internal oblique, opposite side external oblique and hip external rotators.  This chain is responsible for transverse plane stabilization during trunk rotation in gait, throwing, swinging, twisting activities.

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Dysfunction within the slings can result in overuse of the adductor group leading to over facilitation,  increased tension and bound up connective tissue, and potentially pain.  Here is a videoblog demonstrating how to release the adductors using a foam roller.

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Susan McLaughlin is a physical therapist who specializes in the management of pelvic floor and orthopedic dysfunctions. She is the owner of ALIGN integration|movement in Salt Lake City, UT.  Helpful tips and other self care strategies can be found at www.alignintegrationandmovement.com.