Quadriceps Tendinopathy, occurs due to damage to the quadriceps tendons, causing irritation and pain.
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of quadriceps tendinopathy aims to:
Quadriceps Tendinopathy Treatment
What is Quadriceps Tendinopathy?
Tendons are fibrous tissue which act to connect bone and muscle. The quadriceps tendon connect the quadriceps muscles (over/top of the thigh) to the knee cap (patella)
Tendinopathy refers to a failed healing process of damaged tendons, causing microtears, inflammation and irritation. Tendon pain is not not well understood. The current thinking is that the tendon has a continuum from healthy, reactive, dysrepair and degenerative. The tendon can move along the continuum as it overloads or reduces load. Quadriceps Tendinopathy develops as a result of this, causing swelling, pain and discomfort in the quad muscles and knee.
What are the causes?
This condition is triggered and worsened by sustained pressure and force to the quadriceps muscles which make up your thighs. Some common factors which influence injury include:
- Repetitive overload/stress due to sports – e.g., volleyball, biking, soccer, etc
- Overstretching the quads frequently – e.g. yoga, pilates, etc.
- Sudden increase in physical activity (especially jumping)
- Sustained pressure due to poor posture
- Poor walking pattern/habits
- Trauma – e.g. force from jumping onto a hard surface
- Previous tendon tears
Age and lifestyle factors can contribute to diagnosis, as well as not completing adequate muscle warm-up before activity. Tight muscles, bone misalignment and chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, Lupus, etc) can increase susceptibility of developing the condition.
What are the symptoms?
- Deep pain in the quadriceps/upper thighs/knee
- Gradual onset (depends on severity)
- Swelling at the injury site
- Limited range of movement
- Bruising/tenderness/blotchy skin
- Tingling/numbness of the quads (similar to sciatica)
- Muscle spasms
- Reduced upper leg strength
- Pain with direct use of the quads/knee (e.g. jumping, cycling, etc.)
Treatment for Quadriceps Tendinopathy
If you suspect you have quadriceps tendinopathy, it is important to see a physiotherapist or medical professional. You may also be referred for imaging tests to determine the location and extent of the condition, or to rule out a differential diagnosis.
Physical therapy is highly beneficial in restoring movement and reducing inflammation. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:
- Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
- Restoring range of movement
- Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
- Shockwave Therapy
- Dry needling
- Taping
- Ice
- A unique home exercise program
- Graded Exposure to load program
If the pain and reduced movement is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces or straps.
How to book an appointment?
If you have quadriceps tendinopathy, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
Need Help?
Are you in pain caused by quadriceps tendinopathy? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.
Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
Contact Us
