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Strong Thighs, Better Movement: A Myotherapy Perspective on the Quadriceps | Holistic Balance

Strong Thighs, Better Movement: A Myotherapy Perspective on the Quadriceps

Strong Thighs, Better Movement: A Myotherapy Perspective on the Quadriceps
Author: Jerry Song
The quadriceps, often referred to as the “quads,” are a group of four muscles located at the front of the thigh. These muscles play a crucial role in daily movements, athletic performance, and overall lower-body strength.
Location and Anatomy of the Quadriceps
The quadriceps are comprised of four distinct muscles:
  1. Rectus Femoris: Runs along the middle of the thigh and is the only quad muscle that crosses both the hip and knee joints.
  2. Vastus Lateralis: Located on the outer side of the thigh, this is the largest of the four muscles.
  3. Vastus Medialis: Found on the inner thigh, near the knee, and known for its teardrop shape.
  4. Vastus Intermedius: Positioned underneath the rectus femoris, it lies deep within the thigh.
Together, these muscles originate from the pelvis and femur and insert into the patella (kneecap) via the quadriceps tendon.
Function of the Quadriceps
The primary role of the quadriceps is knee extension, a movement essential for walking, running, jumping, and climbing stairs. The rectus femoris also assists in hip flexion due to its attachment to the pelvis. Strong, functional quadriceps are vital for stability, shock absorption, and efficient movement in both daily activities and sports.
Trigger Points in the Quadriceps
Trigger points, or “knots,” in the quadriceps can cause localised pain or refer discomfort to other areas, such as the knee or hip. Common trigger point locations include:
  • Rectus Femoris: Pain is often felt deep in the thigh or around the knee.
  • Vastus Lateralis: Trigger points here can mimic iliotibial band syndrome, causing pain along the outer thigh and knee.
  • Vastus Medialis: May refer pain to the inner knee, often mistaken for ligament or joint issues.
  • Vastus Intermedius: Can cause deep, diffuse pain in the front of the thigh.
These trigger points are often the result of overuse, poor posture, muscle imbalances, or inadequate recovery after exercise.
Demographics Susceptible to Quadriceps Issues
Certain groups are more prone to developing trigger points and tightness in the quadriceps:
  • Athletes: Runners, cyclists, and sports enthusiasts who engage in repetitive leg movements often experience overuse of the quads.
  • Sedentary Individuals: Prolonged sitting can weaken and tighten the quadriceps, leading to dysfunction.
  • Older Adults: Age-related muscle loss and reduced flexibility make this group more susceptible to injuries and trigger points.
  • Individuals with Poor Posture or Gait: Misaligned movement patterns can place excess stress on the quadriceps.
Myotherapy Treatments for the Quadriceps
Myotherapy offers various techniques to address pain and dysfunction in the quadriceps, including:
  1. Trigger Point Therapy: Direct pressure is applied to trigger points to release tension and alleviate referred pain.
  2. Myofascial Release: Aimed at reducing tension in the connective tissue surrounding the muscles, improving flexibility and circulation.
  3. Deep Tissue Massage: Focuses on breaking down adhesions and increasing blood flow to promote healing.
  4. Dry Needling: Thin needles are inserted into trigger points to release tension and improve mobility.
  5. Stretching and Mobilisation: Guided stretches help lengthen tight muscles, while mobilisation improves joint function.
  6. Corrective Exercises: Myotherapists often prescribe strengthening and stretching routines to address underlying imbalances and prevent recurrence.
Example case study
A patient (M, 21) presented with quad soreness after long hours of training for a cycling competition, and not having any sort of recovery modalities for a long period. During assessment, it was noted that the patient’s left quad was noticeably more developed than the right one, to which he mentioned having fractured the R leg awhile back and not properly rehabbing it. Functional movement testing showed a decrease in range of motion in the left hip external rotation compared to the right, however it also had an increased range of motion in internal rotation compared to the right as well. The treatment session aimed to address hypertonicity, improve mobility, and support the patient’s recovery in time for his upcoming competition, using various techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage. After the session, the patient reported feeling lighter and looser with noticeable improvements in mobility and tension reduction. This case highlights the importance of integrating myotherapy into post-training and pre-competition regiments.
The quadriceps are integral to lower-body strength and function, but they are also prone to developing trigger points and tightness. Understanding their anatomy, common issues, and treatment options can help manage pain and restore optimal movement. While we’ve focused on the quads in this article, it’s also important to note that in most cases, pain arises from multiple contributing factors, including other muscles, joints, and overall movement patterns. For this reason, it’s always best to seek a proper assessment from an experienced therapist to identify the root cause of the issue and develop an effective treatment and self-care plan.
If you or someone you know are dealing with a quadriceps condition, musculoskeletal pain, or even myofascial trigger points, book an appointment now for an initial consultation so we can assess your condition and come up with an appropriate and tailored treatment plan to manage your pain.  Simply click this booking link for the myotherapy initial consultation with our experienced myotherapists.

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