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Pulled Thigh Muscle Treatment

The thigh, or quadriceps, are one of the most powerful muscles in the body, so injuries to this muscle can be very painful and debilitating. However, with proper care, an individual can recover and return to prior activities without re-aggravating or re-injuring the area. A successful recovery plan will include rest, heat and ice, and stretching.

  1. Rest

    • Depending on the severity of the injury, the best treatment regimen may include rest. This can mean time completely off from exercise if the injury is severe, alternative exercise that does not strain the thigh for moderate injuries, or a reduced workload for minor injuries. For a grade one strain, it will typically take three weeks to recover. Grade two strains can take a month to a month and a half. Grade three strains can require surgery and usually take at least three months.

    Heat and Ice

    • Heat and ice, when applied properly, can aid in the recover process, as well as helping to prevent future injuries. Before exercising, apply a heat pack to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help loosen up the muscle so it will stretch rather than tear. After exercising, apply ice to the area for 10 to 15 minutes to limit swelling and internal bleeding. Ice can also be applied every 2 to 3 hours during the day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Do not apply heat or ice directly on the skin. Instead, place a towel between the heat or ice and the skin.

    Stretching

    • As a thigh injury heals, it is important to stretch the muscle to help the new muscle tendons align with the old to increase the strength of the muscle. One of the best thigh stretches is to pull the foot back, bending at the knee, toward the rear end. Hold this stretch for at least 10 seconds and repeat two times with each leg. As the thigh improves, include dynamic stretches. One such stretch is to stand perpendicular to a wall with one arm bracing against it. Swing the inside leg forward and up and then backward and up like a pendulum. Start gently and gradually increase the stretch.

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