The adductor magnus is both an adductor and a hamstring muscle, making it a critical yet often overlooked component in hip pain, knee pain, and pain with running.
Understanding the Adductor Magnus
The adductor magnus is the largest adductor muscle on the inside of the thigh. However, it is not just one muscle—it has two distinct parts, each originating from different locations, supplied by different nerves, and performing separate functions.
Most commonly, the adductor magnus is recognized for its role in adduction, pulling the leg toward the midline. However, its lesser-known hamstring function plays a significant role in hip and knee mechanics.
The Adductor Magnus as a Hamstring Muscle
The posterior portion of the adductor magnus originates from the ischial tuberosity, just like the hamstrings (biceps femoris long head, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus). This segment is supplied by the sciatic nerve, making it functionally similar to the hamstring muscles. In contrast, the pubofemoral portion is supplied by the obturator nerve.
Because of this unique structure, the adductor magnus is a key hip extensor, particularly when the hip is in a flexed position. In fact, during movements like deep squats or sprint starts, the adductor magnus may be more active than the glutes or hamstrings in initiating hip extension.
How This Impacts Hip and Knee Pain
Tight or overactive adductors can lead to hip pain by compensating for weak glutes or dysfunctional hamstrings.
The adductor magnus connects to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) at the knee, meaning dysfunction in this muscle could contribute to knee pain or MCL instability.
Limited straight leg raise mobility might not be due to the hamstrings alone—tight adductor magnus could be the culprit.
The Role of the Adductor Magnus in Running Pain
For runners, the adductor magnus plays a crucial role in stability and propulsion. If not functioning correctly, compensatory patterns may develop, leading to:
Hip flexor overuse and tightness
Medial knee pain due to excessive strain on the MCL
Poor single-leg stability, increasing injury risk in jumping and running sports
What You Can Do to Address Adductor Magnus Dysfunction
Strengthen your glutes – Weak glutes force the adductors to take on too much workload.
Stretch strategically – If you feel constant hamstring tightness, assess the adductor magnus before over-stretching your hamstrings.
Improve running mechanics – Excessive hip adduction during running could indicate adductor dominance.
Seek professional assessment – If you're experiencing persistent hip pain, knee pain, or discomfort while running, a movement specialist or therapist can help identify underlying imbalances.
Final Thoughts
If you're dealing with hip pain, knee pain, or running-related discomfort, it’s time to look beyond the hamstrings. The adductor magnus is a powerful muscle with a dual role, and dysfunction here could be the missing piece in your pain or performance puzzle.
Respect the anatomy. Assess better. Train smarter.
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At Kinetic Healthcare, we specialize in assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions to help you move pain-free. If you're struggling with hip pain, knee pain, or running injuries, let our experts create a tailored plan for you.
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Image courtesy of: anatomytrains.com