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Quad Strain Rehabilitation
A thigh strain or quadriceps muscle strain can vary from very mild to severe. We outline some simple rehabilitation programs depending on whether the injury is a grade 1,2 or 3.
The following guidelines are for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice before starting any rehabilitation.
Grade 1
Initial treatment - Day 1
- Rest
- Apply cold therapy to the thigh as soon as possible for 15 minutes at a time. Repeat this every 2-3 hours. Do not apply ice directly to the skin or you could get ice burns.
- Wear a compression support
Stage 2 - Days 2-5
- If pain-free, start to stretch the quad muscles gently.
- After 48 hours, sports massage can be applied
- Start to strengthen the muscle again, gently to start with and only if this is completely pain-free.
Stage 3 - Days 6 onwards
- Continue with stretching, strengthening and sports massage.
- Return to training when you have no pain on any of the exercises, or day-to-day activities.
- Start off very gently and gradually increase running speed, and intensity of other activities such as kicking and changing direction.
Grade 2
Immediate treatment - Days 1-4
- Stop play immediately, don't attempt to play on.
- Apply cold therapy straight away, for 15 minutes at a time, every 2-3 hours.
- Apply a compression bandage
- Rest with the leg elevated.
- Use crutches if necessary.
Stage 2 - Days 5-12
- Return to full weight bearing if you haven't already.
- Start to gently stretch the quad muscles, provided it is comfortable to do so. Hold stretches for 20-30 seconds and repeat three times. Do this 3-5 times a day.
- Sports massage can be used from day 4 onwards.
- Once it is comfortable to do so, start gentle strengthening exercises
Stage 3 - Days 13-21
- Continue with sports massage and stretching exercises.
- Gradually increase the intensity of strengthening exercises.
- Start to introduce activities such as cycling and gentle jogging.
- Apply heat if the muscle feels stiff - 15 minutes at a time before activity.
- Return to gentle training once all day-to-day and above exercises are pain free and you have range of motion equal to the other side.
Grade 3
Immediate treatment - Days 1-7
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Apply cold therapy for 15 minutes at a time, every 2-3 hours for the first 48 hours.
- Use crutches.
- Use a compression bandage and rest with the leg elevated.
Stage 2 - Days 8-14
- Generally with a injury this severe, all treatment should be directed by a sports injury professional.
- It should include:
- Stretching exercises
- Sports massage (after the acute phase has passed)
- Ultrasound may be provided
- Gentle strengthening exercises such as static contractions.
Stage 3 - Weeks 3-6
- Strengthening exercises are the main feature of this stage of treatment.
- Increase the difficulty and intensity of exercises as pain allows.
- Continue with stretching exercises.
- Continue with sports massage.
- Wear a thigh support or heat retainer to support the leg and improve blood supply.
- Use heat before exercises.
