4. Adductor Brevis

Origin: Body and inferior ramus of pubis

Insertion: Pectineal line and proximal part of linea aspera of femur

Action:

  • Adducts the thigh
  • Weak flexor of the thigh

Innervation: Obturator nerve (L2/3/4)

Anterior hip muscles.
Figure 6.9 Adductor brevis, adapted by Mikael Häggström from the original image by Beth Ohara, CC-BY-SA 3.0.

Needling

Position: Supine

Palpation: Patient with knee over therapist’s knee (or bolster) with leg externally rotated slightly – Gently resist adduction of the thigh to help isolate this muscle

Technique: Needle directly into this muscle either medial or lateral to the femoral artery

Caution: Moderate – Femoral artery

Needling adductor brevis.
Figure 6.10 Needling adductor brevis, original image by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

Video 6.4 Needling adductor brevis, original video by Nadine Crocker, CC BY-NC 4.0.

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Sinew Channel Needling Copyright © 2026 by Nadine Crocker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book