Can weak adductors cause groin pain?

Yes. Adductor weakness and inhibition are common contributors to chronic groin and inner-thigh discomfort, particularly in patients with a history of groin strain or recurrent overuse in sports involving lateral movement.

Are hip adductors really connected to the pelvic floor?

Anatomically, yes — the obturator internus, a deep hip muscle that works closely with the adductor group, shares a direct fascial connection with the levator ani, the primary pelvic floor muscle. This connection has been documented in cadaver studies and measured functionally in living patients. It doesn't mean every adductor issue involves the pelvic floor, but it's a real relationship worth considering, especially postpartum.

How do I know if it's weakness or something else?

A resisted strength test performed clinically is the most reliable way to tell true weakness from inhibition. As a rough home indicator: if targeted strengthening exercises haven't produced any improvement after several consistent weeks, inhibition is more likely than simple deconditioning.

Do I need pelvic floor PT for this?

Not necessarily. Most adductor weakness doesn't require it. But if you're postpartum, have known pelvic floor symptoms, or your adductor symptoms aren't responding to a standard strengthening approach, it's worth having that piece evaluated rather than ruled out by default.

Matt Wilson DC, FIACA, Author at Ashworth Chiropractic, Physical Therapy and Acupuncture

About Matt Wilson DC, FIACA

Matt Wilson, DC, FIACA is a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and functional medicine provider in West Des Moines, Iowa, and the owner of Ashworth Chiropractic, Physical Therapy & Acupuncture. He trained at Palmer College of Chiropractic and holds a Fellowship in the International Academy of Chiropractic Acupuncture. His clinical approach is informed by extensive post-graduate training in the Postural Restoration Institute, functional medicine, and dry needling. Ashworth tracks outcomes across every patient — 4,443 reports, 80.8% average improvement, 6.3 average visits to resolution — because getting patients better quickly and completely is the actual goal.

Weak Hip Adductors: Signs, Causes, and What to Do About It – Ashworth Chiropractic, Physical Therapy and Acupuncture

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Weak Hip Adductors: Signs, Causes, and What to Do About It If you've ever felt your hip give a little when you plant and cut, or noticed a dull ache along the inside of your thigh after a long run, or found yourself bracing your knees together just to feel stable standing on [...]

Weak Hip Adductors: Signs, Causes, and What to Do About It – Ashworth Chiropractic, Physical Therapy and AcupunctureMatt Wilson DC, FIACA2026-09-12T13:03:38+00:00

Shockwave Therapy for Post-Surgical Scar Tissue

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Shockwave Therapy for Post-Surgical Scar Tissue Shockwave Therapy for Post-Surgical Scar Tissue: Why Scars Keep Causing Problems Long After the Incision Heals — and What Actually Works By Dr. Matthew Wilson, DC, FIACA | Ashworth Chiropractic, Physical Therapy & Acupuncture | West Des Moines, Iowa The incision closed months ago. The surgery, by [...]

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Your Labs Came Back Normal - But You Still Feel Terrible I hear some version of this almost every week — and if you're in the Des Moines area, you may have heard it from your own doctor. "Your labs look fine." The patient in front of me can't lose weight despite doing everything [...]

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Why Upper Cross Syndrome Keeps Coming Back

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Why Upper Cross Syndrome Keeps Coming Back You've probably done the exercises. Chin tucks. Band pull-aparts. Pec stretches. Maybe some shoulder blade squeezes. Your chiropractor, physical therapist, or personal trainer told you to pull your shoulders back and down, lift your chest, keep your head up. It helped. For a while. Then the tightness [...]

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Shockwave Therapy for Knee Pain — Patellar Tendinopathy, Osteoarthritis, and More

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My Back Still Hurts After Surgery. What Do I Do Now?
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My Back Still Hurts After Surgery.What Do I Do Now? BACK PAIN SERIES — PART 4 OF 4 This is Part 4 of a four-part series we are working on. Each will be linked as they are published online. Part 1 covers what is the best non-surgical treatment for back pain. Part 2 [...]

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You Need Surgery. Now What?
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Overactive Bladder and Urinary Urgency — What Physical Therapy Can Do That Medication Often Can’t
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About Matt Wilson DC, FIACA