Pulled Quad? What to do?

What is a Thigh Strain?

The muscles in your thigh are made up of three main groups: the quadriceps (at the front of your leg), the hamstrings (at the back of your leg) and the adductors (at the inside of your leg).

A thigh strain refers to an injury where the fibres in a quadriceps muscles are overstretched. Once the fibers are overstretched to a certain point, muscle tears occur. These can vary from a minor strain to a full thickness muscle tear.

What Causes a Thigh Strain / Pulled Quad?

There are a number of factors which can increase your risk of straining your thigh muscles.
The most common include:

Muscle tightness
Muscle fatigue
Muscle imbalances
Incorrect exercise technique
Inadequate warm up period
History of thigh strain/tear without adequate rehabilitation

What are the Symptoms of a Thigh Strain?

Pain during activities which engage the affected thigh muscle, e.g. walking, going up/down stairs, sit to stand, kicking.
“Pulling pain” or a tugging sensation with stretching of the affected muscle eg heel to bottom.
Swelling, bruising or thigh tenderness.
Audible “pop” or snapping sensation at the time of injury, which may indicate a major tear or rupture.

How is a Thigh Strain Diagnosed?

On examination, your physiotherapist will look for signs of a thigh strain. If further assessment is required, an ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the location and severity of the injury.