The quadriceps are a group of four powerful muscles located on the front of the upper thigh that work together with the hip flexors and hamstrings to extend and flex the leg. Quad injuries are among the most common (and treatable) type of athletic/sports-related injury. However, a quad strain can be extremely painful and may take weeks to fully recover with limited activity.
The quad muscles cover the front of the thigh and are often injured because they cross two joints: the hip and the knee. Quadriceps pain can frequently occur in athletes who participate in kicking and running sports. Since the quad muscles are a strong muscle group involved in supporting the body’s movement while upright, a pulled quad muscle can often occur.
The quadriceps are particularly active during sprinting, jumping, hopping, or kicking. Too much tension can cause the muscle fibers to tear. This can be the result of either excessive force or repetitive motion. This tearing can happen gradually over time due to repetitive motion, or it can happen quickly when excessive force is placed on the muscle group.
Aside from pain, a quad strain may also display the following symptoms:
Estimated recovery time for a quad strain is dependent on the severity of the strain. The clinical grading system for most strains, including quad strains, includes three categories:
Grade 1: Mild
Grade 2: Moderate
Grade 3: Severe
Minor to moderate quad strains will usually heal on their own, given enough time. Recovery for minor to moderate quad strains is usually one to three weeks with limited activity.
If the strained quad is severe, it may require four to eight weeks to achieve full recovery.
Historically, your health care provider will likely recommend rest and reduced activity. Following the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) can help reduce swelling and pain. Your doctor may also suggest using over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication for moderate muscle strains. For more severe quad strains, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist to help safely regain strength and mobility while recovering.
As powerful as they are, the quads are still vulnerable to injuries if they are neglected. Some steps you can take to avoid a quad injury include warming up properly before any activity and taking time to cool down and gently stretch your quads after exercise.
Strengthening your quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors can also help reduce your risk of injury. Stronger muscles are more resistant to stress and can provide more support to your joints during activity.
If you’ve recently recovered from a quad injury, or are just looking for exercises to help reduce tension, below are a couple gentle stretches you can try to loosen your quads and improve range of motion.
Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch
Foam Rolling Quads
Airrosti can help rapidly relieve your quad pain in an average of 3-4 visits, allowing you to remain healthy and active.
Our skilled providers can diagnose the cause of pain and treat it directly, typically in as few as three visits (based on patient-reported outcomes). In most cases, you can remain active during treatment. Call us at 800-404-6050 or click here to schedule your appointment today.
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
I injured my front quad muscle while playing a game of family kickball. I knew what I did as soon as I kicked the ball. Dr. Capri got me all fixed within 3 visits. I had full range of my quad within that 3rd visit and was back to my gym schedule and playing with my family. I highly recommend Airrosti and Dr. Capri for your athletic injury care and treatment. He will be the first doctor I call from now on when I need immediate treatment and management. Thank you, Dr. Capri!
by Sarah Melville
