Phone 09 444 7643 Contact us Book an appointment

Quadriceps Pain

Quadriceps pain can develop with a sudden injury (Quadriceps strain) but also it can develop over a period of time, with no obvious reason. The pain will be worse with sports and dynamic activities. It is felt in the front thigh area.

We know that the quadriceps is a complex group of four major tendons and muscles. These muscles and tendons combined with the hip joint need to work in the correct biomechanical pattern or quadriceps strains and hip pain can occur regularly, particularly in sportspeople.

The quadriceps muscle needs good flexibility and requires a strong stable base to function. This base is usually provided by your pelvis, hips and lower back. Pain and inflammation will develop if you keep using your quadriceps while it is injured. You will develop altered walking, running and movement patterns. This in turn creates a “muscle imbalance,” reinforcing your poor movement patterns causing further pain and inflammation, often in your hips, lower back and sometimes in your knee.

A poor walking/ running style (gait) or poor biomechanics will become a habit and you will be consistently in pain and have a stiff tight lower back and hips. If you keep this “bad habit” you will continue to aggravate and irritate the quadriceps muscle and your pain will persist and will potentially get worse.

Treatment of your quadriceps strain/ pain will make you feel better. It’s what you would expect when you are in pain. However, if you have the pain treated (massage, mobilization, medications), but do not correct your posture, your biomechanics and strength deficits, you are only receiving a “temporary relief” from your pain, and it is likely that your pain will reoccur. This is only short-term relief, and not a long-term solution.

Download Quadriceps Pain eBook
  • "As a fully qualified sonographer I spend all day scanning my client’s injuries. Our appointments take only 20 minutes and I feed back my findings directly to your physiotherapist or doctor. This helps them plan your injury management. Ask you physio today if you need an ultra sound scan to help with your injury."

    Simon Cunliffe

  • "If you are experiencing pain or discomfort when you're trying to enjoy playing football then don't put up with it. I have a passion for treating football injuries and would love to see you, I encourage you to book an appointment for a consultation today. I can help get you back playing pain free."

    Jay Lee

  • "Low back pain affects many people and having qualified with my post-graduate diploma in manipulative therapy, I have a passion for treating low back pain. Using a number of techniques I can help restore movement, reduce pain and improve strength – returning you to work, sports and back to your goals. If you have low back pain book an appointment to see me today, I have over 23 years of treating low back pain"

    Roland Jeffery

  • "Having qualifications in Pilates, my goals with my clients are to restore their movement and strength. Our specialized equipment helps this in a fun and friendly way. RJ Physio has group classes and well as individual sessions, so we can tailor to your specific needs. Pilates can help return you to work, sports and reduce your pain and increase your performance. Call me today and I can discuss your Pilates options."

    Pip Greenwood