Thigh Strain Rehabilitation Program

Below is an example of thigh strain or quadriceps 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 thigh strain rehabilitation

Initial treatment – Day 1

• Rest and 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 all the time to help reduce swelling.

Stage 2 – Days 2-5

• If pain-free, start to stretch the quad muscles gently.
• After 48 hours, sports massage can be applied very gently to start with and see how the injury responds afterwards and the following day.
• 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 thigh strain rehabilitation

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 thigh strain rehabilitation

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 an injury this severe, all treatment should be directed by a sports injury professional and should include stretching exercises, sports massage (after the acute phase has passed).
• Ultrasound may be used and gentle strengthening exercises can begin for example static or isometric 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.