QUADRICEP MUSCLE STRAINS

The quadricep muscle is located at the front of the thigh and is made of four muscles (rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis). The quad muscles work to bend the hip and straighten the knee. Because it crosses the hip and knee joint, the rectus femoris is the most commonly injured quad muscle.

The quad muscles are typically strained (torn) when sprinting, kicking or after a direct trauma to the muscle during contact sport.

• Previous quad strain
• Poor leg muscle flexibility
• Quad muscle weakness
• Lower back stiffness
• Fatigue
• Lack of training

Grade 1

• Only a small amount of muscle fibres are torn
• Quad tightness
• Pain with muscle contraction but running/sport may still be possible
• Minimal swelling and bruising

Grade 2

• Up to 50% of the muscle fibres are torn
• Moderate pain with walking, unable to run/play sport
• Restricted quad muscle strength and flexibility
• Swelling and bruising

Grade 3

• More than 50% of the muscle fibres are torn, there may be a complete rupture
• Severe quad muscle pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Often unable to weight-bear

Your physiotherapist will do a thorough assessment to determine the degree of injury to determine the appropriate treatment options and discuss the rehabilitation time frames. Treatment may include:

• Advice to rest, ice, compress and elevate the affected leg
• Crutches if weight-bearing is painful
• Hands-on treatment once the bruising and swelling has reduced
• Exercises to improve quad muscle flexibility, strength and power.
• Tailored exercises to address any risk factors, such as core stability and general leg strengthening exercises.