A quadricep muscle tear is an injury that occurs when the force of contraction or stretch on the quad exceeds what it can handle and the muscle fibres become injured and separate from one another, this can be quite a small injury or a large disabling one depending on how much of the quad is torn.
Our quad muscles are the large muscle group located in the front of the thigh. It consists of four individual muscles that work together to straighten the leg and flex the hip and help with activities like walking, running, jumping, and climbing. The quadriceps muscles are responsible for extending the knee joint and play a crucial role in lower body strength and mobility.
Typical instances where this might happen includes; in multi-directional and explosive sports – particularly those involving kicking (like football or athletics), over exerting the muscle doing a repetitive task such as lifting or working out in the gym, or as a result of trauma/an accident if something has colliding with the muscle or landing in an awkward position whereby the muscle has been stretched too far.
The most common way to tear a quad is from sprinting or kicking a ball where the tear occurs closer to the hip, it is possible particularly in older populations to tear lower down and closer to the knee also. Signs and symptoms are typically issues like precise pain over the torn site, associated swelling, and difficulty moving or putting weight on the affected leg.
Initially it is vital to rest, ice and compress the injured quad, and keep the pain under control. Once settled, it is important to increase the flexibility of the affected thigh and regain strength to get back to all the activities you were doing prior (and maybe even more). Exercises that can develop the quad muscles includes leg extensions, squats and lunges. Expert physiotherapy management can also involve taping, massage and dry needling to support and assist with pain relief during the early and middle stages of rehab, and later rehabilitation has the Physio busy evaluating your strength capacity (in comparison to the other side) and progressing your rehab accordingly.
If you suspect you’ve suffered a tear, it is important to check in with your trusty OHL physiotherapist to guide you on your rehab plan, and to get a clear diagnosis of the structure and severity. Possible other diagnoses may be femoral nerve entrapment or lumbar radiculopathy, avulsion fracture, ITB pain or hip pain referral.
If pain through the front of the thigh is limiting your movement or causing your pain don't delay in consulting with an expert physiotherapist at OHL to gain a clear diagnosis and plan for return to pain free full function. Bookings available through 9431 5955 or you can book online via our Client Portal on the website.
