ESPN Injury Headlines: The Adductor Strain

The Adductor muscles of the thigh

The latest injury suffered by Kevin Garnett, power forward/center for the Boston Celtics has been diagnosed as a strained left adductor muscle. We must recall that the terms sprain/strain refer to injuries to the ligaments and muscles, respectively.

In this case, Garnett injured the adductor group within the left thigh but as you can see here, the adductors are really a group of muscles. It would be difficult to figure out which of the muscles he injured specifically, whether it was the brevis or longus, but treatment would probably not change much in either case.

The adductors are essential for lateral movement, and in Garnett's situation, the most difficult way to move would be laterally to the right as the muscle group would have to contract to carry the entirety of the leg in that direction.

Treatment should be aimed at passively moving the leg in an effort to keep the hip joint capsule active, while also alternating heat and cold on the affected area to stimulate healing while also preventing excessive inflammation. Massage of the affected tissues would also be indicated in large part to stimulate blood flow to the region. Were he not able to rest the muscle to allow for maximum recovery, taping the upper thigh would also be beneficial, especially during and after the game was played. Lastly and most obviously, stretching of the left thigh would certainly be indicated.