adductor muscles

adductors

A muscle that moves a body part (e.g. an arm or leg) towards the midline of the body. A strain of the thigh adductors is a relatively common injury of horse riders, fast bowlers, and footballers who make lunge tackles. A simple exercise called the adductor stretch reduces the risk of injury (figure 2). It is also useful for pregnant women and others whose thighs tend to rotate inwards causing backache and flat feet.

Figure 2 Adductor stretch
▪ Sit with your knees apart and legs crossed. Place your hands on the inside of your knees. Contract the adductors in an attempt to raise your knees, but resist the movement with your hands. Hold the contraction for a few seconds, relax, then stretch your adductors as far as possible by pressing your knees toward the floor. Hold the stretched position for about 5-10 seconds.