Quad Tendon Injury

Tendons are strong cords of fibrous tissue that attach muscles to bones. The quadriceps tendon works with the muscles in the front of your thigh to straighten your leg.  Small tears of the tendon can make it difficult to walk and participate in other daily activities. A large tear of the quadriceps tendon is a disabling injury. It usually requires surgery and physical therapy to regain full knee function.

§  When the quadriceps tendon completely tears (ruptures), the muscle is no longer anchored to the kneecap. Without this attachment, the knee cannot straighten when the quadriceps muscles contract.  Quadriceps tendon tears are not common. This injury is often the result of forceful kicking or a traumatic impact to the tendon, which may occur with a fall. Signs and symptoms include pain and bruising just above the kneecap, an inability to walk, and severe weakness of the quadriceps (making it impossible to ascend/descend stairs). Surgical repair is necessary when the tendon is ruptured.

How physical therapy helps

Once the initial pain and swelling has settled down, physical therapy can begin. Specific exercises can restore strength and range of motion.  Exercises will gradually be added to your program. Straight leg raises to strengthen your quadriceps are often central to a physical therapy plan. As time goes on, your doctor or therapist will unlock your brace. This will allow you to move more freely with a greater range of motion. You will be prescribed more strengthening exercises as you heal.

If surgery is needed for your recovery, rest assured that you are in the right hands for your rehabilitation. We work closely with your physician's rehabilitation protocols. The priority is to manage your pain and swelling after surgery and gradually increasing your range of motion in the knee per your post-surgery protocol.

As time progresses, we work with you to gain your strength back in the knee, improve stability of the joint, get you back to walking normally and eventually back into advanced movements including running.