What to do about a torn abductor muscle

Muscle strains (when a muscle develops a small to complete tear) are a common injury, particularly among athletes or individuals with physically intense jobs. In one study on athletes, muscle injuries accounted for 31% of injuries. Some muscle groups are more commonly injured than others, such as the hamstrings and hip abductor muscles. 

Athletes and workers with physically demanding jobs aren’t the only ones who can tear an abductor muscle. A torn abductor muscle can be caused by any quick, sudden movement.

If you were recently diagnosed with an abductor muscle tear, you may be looking for some guidance on how to support your healing process. Continue reading to learn more about your injury and discover how physical therapy can boost your recovery.

What is an abductor muscle tear?

An abductor muscle refers to any muscle group that moves a limb away from the center of the body. For example, your hip abductors are used when stepping to the side, getting out of bed or getting out of a car. They also help stabilize your pelvis while walking and running. Abductor muscles work in tandem with your adductor muscles, which move your limbs back toward your body. As such, a tear in your abductor muscles can greatly impact your everyday life.

Much like any other muscle, you can tear an abductor muscle from overuse or improper use of the muscle. Symptoms of a torn abductor muscle can include:

• Sudden, sharp pain.
• Soreness.
• Weakness.
• Swelling.
• Limited range of movement.

The 2 types of abductor muscle tears

An abductor muscle tear or strain can be categorized as either acute or chronic:

• Acute muscle tear — An acute muscle tear occurs when your muscle tears suddenly and unexpectedly. This can be caused by not warming up properly before a physical activity, poor flexibility, overexertion or fatigue. An acute tear can happen during a variety of activities, from high intensity workouts to slipping and losing your footing.
• Chronic muscle tear — Repetitive movement is the main cause of chronic muscle tears. As such, chronic muscle strains are very common among athletes. For example, torn hip abductor muscles are a common injury among runners and athletes involved in high-impact sports, such as soccer or basketball. 

For mild to moderate abductor muscle tears, home treatment may be enough to ease your symptoms. However, you should seek medical assistance if your symptoms do not subside after a week, if you have difficulty walking or standing, or if the injured area becomes numb.

What treatment options are available for a torn abductor muscle?

A torn abductor muscle can be difficult to deal with. In the cases where at-home treatment isn’t enough to alleviate your symptoms, physical therapy can help you heal from an abductor muscle tear.

A physical therapist may include the following techniques in your treatment plan:

• Strength exercises — It is important to regain muscle strength after an activity-related injury such as a torn abductor muscle. Improving strength in the affected area can also help reduce injury and related pain. A physical therapist can show you strengthening exercises that target your torn abductor muscle and surrounding weakness. If you have a torn hip abductor muscle, your physical therapist may recommend exercises that focus on your legs and glutes.
• Joint mobilization — Due to their close proximity to joints, a torn abductor muscle can cause nearby joints to lose their range of motion. Joint mobilization is a type of manual therapy where a physical therapist will use their hands to slowly move your joints. This will help improve your range of motion and reduce stiffness while your muscle heals.
• Soft tissue mobilization — Soft tissue mobilization is another type of manual therapy. This technique involves physical therapists using their hands to manipulate the soft tissue around the torn muscle. By applying gentle pressure to certain trigger points around the affected area, physical therapists can stimulate circulation and encourage the decrease of inflammation. This technique can also be used to break up scar tissue in the injured muscle as it heals. 

Physical therapists at Advent PT can help you recover from your torn abductor muscle

Do you think you have a torn abductor muscle but are uncertain on where to start with your treatment plan? At Advent Physical Therapy, our team of specialists are equipped to assess your injury and create a treatment plan that’s customized to your needs. With the support of one of our physical therapists, you can be on the road to recovery in no time.

Unable to attend in-person PT sessions or not close to an Advent PT location? We also offer effective virtual physical therapy from the comfort of your own home.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.