Quadriceps Strain
What is Quadriceps Muscle Strain?
A quad strain/tear is caused by suddenly overloading of the muscles in your front thigh, leading to a degree of damage within the muscle fibres.
The quadriceps consists of four muscles that connect from the front of your knee and join up near your hip. These muscles work together and help with hip flexion (raising your knee up via the Rectus Femoris muscle), Straighten up your knee (ie, kick a ball) and are primary regulators of movements such as walking, jogging, running, jumping.
What’s the cause of quad strains?
Quad strains usually occur in sporting activities that involve running, jumping, kicking and changing of directions. Quad tears are generally caused by sudden overload, muscle fatigue, muscle weakness, an imbalance between quadriceps and hamstring strength, a poor training program or insufficient fitness.
How can Physiotherapy help?
Your Physiotherapist will determine the extent of your quadriceps strain, assess contributing factors and complete a physical examination. Your physiotherapist will provide information about your estimated time of recovery, appropriate rehabilitation methods and advice regarding rehab management planning.
Your Physio in Merrylands can employ treatments such as soft tissue therapy, dry needling, cupping, joint mobilisation, provide a home exercise program and advice regarding activity modification.
Starting an exercise program that is guided by your Physiotherapist including quadriceps range of movement, muscle strengthening and stretching is essential in the management of quadriceps muscle injuries. Together, your physio will develop an exercise program that is for you to complete, involving a graded progression before returning to sport.
When can you return to sports?
It is important that before returning to sport a thorough rehab process has been undertaken to avoid re-injury. This will involve graduated strengthening exercises, running, agility and sport-specific drills throughout your recovery.
A general rehab timeframe before return to sport with quadriceps strain is as follows;
Strain or minor muscle tear: 2 -4 weeks
Medium to large tear: 6 - 12 weeks
Complete rupture (rare): 12+ weeks
Conclusion
With appropriate rehabilitation, quadriceps strain generally has a positive recovery outlook. However, you may be at a greater risk of re-injury if there is increased scar tissue formation and/or inadequate recovery.
For more information
To get your quads assessed, click Book Now or give us a call.
Hope this helps,
Tony - Physio Solutions Merrylands
Resources:
Tuerlinckx, M. Quadriceps Muscles Strain
Kary, J. Diagnosis and management of quadriceps strains and contusions
Kookier, L., Port, I., Moen, M. Effects of physiotherapist - guided quadriceps - strengthening exercise for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review
Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24766358/
