Mighty Nimble
Mighty Nimble
Download App

Intermediate Groin Strain Rehab

A progressive, low-impact groin rehab session focused on adductor activation, hip stability, and pain-free range of motion.

Warm-Up

5 minutes. Increase blood flow and gently restore hip motion before strengthening.

Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic Breathing1 min
Pelvic Tilt
Pelvic Tilt12x
Glute Bridge
Glute Bridge10x
Hip Adductor Isometric Squeeze (Pillow)
Hip Adductor Isometric Squeeze (Pillow)45 sec

Circuit A

Controlled reps; stop short of pain. Rest briefly between rounds.

Side-Lying Hip Adduction
Side-Lying Hip Adduction10x each side
Clamshell
Clamshell12x each side
Hip Adductor Isometric Squeeze (Pillow)
Hip Adductor Isometric Squeeze (Pillow)30 sec
Glute Bridge
Glute Bridge12x
2 rounds · 15 sec rest
1 min rest

Circuit B

Band work and short-lever holds for progressive adductor strength.

Standing Hip Adduction (Band)
Standing Hip Adduction (Band)12x each side
Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch
Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch30 sec each side
Copenhagen Plank (Short Lever)
Copenhagen Plank (Short Lever)15 sec each side
2 rounds · 15 sec rest

Cool-Down

3 minutes. Downshift and restore comfortable hip range without forcing stretch.

Butterfly Stretch
Butterfly Stretch1 min
Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch
Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch30 sec each side
Loading the Adductors Without Re-Injury

Loading the Adductors Without Re-Injury

The progression from isometric pillow squeezes to side-lying adduction and finally the Copenhagen plank follows a deliberate load-tolerance arc — starting with zero joint movement to protect irritated tissue, then introducing gravity-resisted isotonics, then eccentric-dominant demands that rebuild tensile strength in the adductor longus and brevis where strains most commonly occur.

Why Groin Strains Are Notoriously Slow to Heal

Why Groin Strains Are Notoriously Slow to Heal

The adductor complex crosses both the hip and pelvis, meaning every step, rotation, and lateral movement recruits it — rest alone rarely resolves the issue. The clamshell and glute bridge here target gluteus medius and posterior chain co-activation, reducing the compensatory overload that keeps strained adductors perpetually re-aggravated.

Isometric-First Periodization for Tendon Repair

Isometric-First Periodization for Tendon Repair

Starting with pelvic tilts and diaphragmatic breathing isn't filler — it reestablishes intra-abdominal pressure control and lumbopelvic stability that directly offloads the pubic attachment of the adductors. Once you can hold the Copenhagen short-lever plank for 20+ seconds without groin pinching, that's your signal to progress lever length or add reps before increasing resistance.

Intermediate Groin Strain Rehab | Mighty Nimble | Mighty Nimble