Quadriceps Muscle Strain Physiotherapy in Indirapuram

How it happens

The rectus femoris, which crosses both the hip and knee, is the most commonly injured quadriceps muscle. Kicking a football, sprinting, or a sudden deceleration can overload it. Players often feel a sharp pain at the front of the thigh.

A direct knock to the thigh causes a different injury, a contusion or dead leg, which is treated differently and needs care to avoid myositis ossificans.

Symptoms

Pain at the front of the thigh, difficulty with kicking or sprinting, and sometimes swelling or bruising. More severe tears may leave a visible dent or bulge.

Rehabilitation

Early on: protect, compress and use gentle movement as pain allows. Then we progress through isometric exercises, controlled strengthening in increasing range, and eventually running, kicking and sport-specific drills. Hip and knee flexibility are restored gradually.

Return to sport usually ranges from two to eight weeks, depending on severity. Injuries involving the central tendon of rectus femoris may take longer.

Exercises often used for Quadriceps Muscle Strain

These are exercises our physiotherapists commonly include. Which ones suit you, how many and in what order depends on your assessment and stage of recovery.

All muscle strengthening exercises

Frequently asked questions