Quad Strain Rehabilitation
Muscle strains are graded 1, 2, or 3 depending on how bad they are. Click here if you are not sure which you have. Treatment, and especially timescale's, will vary depending on the severity of your injury. We have separated this rehab programme into grades.
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.
