It also explains how gracilis muscle injuries are treated with exercise, stretches, rehabilitation, and medications.
The namegraciliscomes from the Latin term for “slender.”
You have two gracilis muscles, one on each side of your body.
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The gracilis muscle is serviced by a branch of theobturator nerve.
The gracilis and adductor longus are two of seven muscles classified as hip adductors.
Together, these muscles are known as knee flexors.
Associated Conditions
There are several conditions that directly and indirectly affect the gracilis muscles.
The spasms may be throbbing or cause intense, prolonged stiffening (known as cramps).
Neurological (nerve-related) conditions such asmultiple sclerosisorstrokecan cause gracilis muscle spasms.
Compression of these nerves may not only cause pain but also muscle weakness.
Severe injuries to the gracilis muscle require prolonged rest and rehabilitation, often healing within four to six weeks.
The complete rupture of a gracilis muscle may take longer.
Analgesics like Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help decrease pain but not swelling.
A physical therapist can help design a safe and progressive program.
It helps with hip adduction (in which you pull your legs together).
It also helps you rotate your thighs inward and outward and help stabilize the knee when it is bent.
These injuries may be treated with pain medications, physical therapy, and gentle exercises and stretches.
This is done on the floor in a seated position with the soles of your feet placed together.
Hold your feet and gently move your knees toward the floor.
You will feel a gentle stretch in your groin and inner thighs.
No, the gracilis muscle is one of seven hip adductor muscles that help draw the thighs together.
This can cause not only pain but local redness and swelling.
Khan IA, Bordoni B, Varacallo M.Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, thigh gracilis muscle.
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
