This video demonstrates a safe and sustainable technique to offload tension to the adductor longus muscle. I also highlight the trigger point that can develop in this muscle especially in soccer/football athletes. This soft tissue approach aims to not only treat dysfunction in the adductor longus, but also increase your clients' agility and boost overall performance.

The biomechanics of kicking are surprisingly complex. Footballers commonly have their hips in external rotation to receive the ball. They then engage the adductor lognus to pass or kick the ball in a new direction.

Traversal across the pitch also engages several muscles. Frequent changes in direction create a lot of load and tension in the adductor group. This buildup of force creates knockon effects for the other adductor muscles, which can lead to overloading issues.

The adductor longus is a large, flat muscle that partially covers the adductors bevis and magnus. It originates in the pelvic pubis bone and has a distal attachment site along the linea aspera of the femur. Trigger points in the adductor longus come in three flavours:

1) Referral around the anterior hip and above the knee
2) Anteromedial thigh from the groin to the medial knee
3) Medial thigh to knee

Periodic strength and conditioning exercises are imperative to conditioning the adductor group to meet the frequent, dual demands of kicking and direction change. Be aware that these exercises will also result in an increased load. The load will be worth it, but it still needs to be offloaded manually as part of the conditioning process. Sports massage techniques like this one are key to manually offloading the adductors during the conditioning process.

As with all these techniques, we're using safe and sustainable practices that are better for both your client and you. A broad approach, using your hand in an Lshape with your offhand supporting, will help prevent you from digging into the fascia. This is so important, as digging in can trigger a guarding response that impedes treatment.

This technique also lets you pick up the trigger point about halfway along the adductor longus. Just keep in mind the overall goal is that broad approach to the entire tissue.

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These videos are intended to be used for information purposes only and are not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or trained healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material and should not be taken as a recommendation for the treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.