Quadriceps Strains and Tendon Tears

Quadriceps strains and tears are common injuries among athletes who do a lot of sprinting and jumping that occur due to sudden, forceful, excessive overloading or overstretching of the quadriceps muscle. Such a force leads to small tears of the muscle fibers. Tendon tears are rare and can be complete or partial. They often result from high impact activities, such as a bad landing with the knee loaded in a bent position or with a fall.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• Pain in the muscle itself or around the knee
• Swelling
• Possible bruising
• Weakness
• Muscle and joint tightness
• Feelings of popping or tearing
• Inability to walk

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?

Your therapist will determine the most appropriate treatment for you which may include stretching, exercises for muscle activation, strengthening, range of motion activities, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilizations, and modalities for pain control and swelling reduction such as ice. Your PT will also give you a home exercise program to aid in your recovery.