Table of Contents
Introduction
Deep tissue massage for quadriceps can be a significant game changer. A focus on treating the quadriceps muscles can be a big time game changer. The Quadriceps is a group of 4 muscles. They are that big, thick muscle at the front of the thigh. all of he muscles, extend the knee such as when you are kicking a ball. One of them, acts on both the knee and the hip. At the hip it brings the thigh towards the chest (hip flexion).
When these muscles become extra tight it can cause pain related issues. Deep tissue massage for quadriceps can be impactful.
It can help with pain of the lower back. Along with relieving pain and tightness of the hips and knees. To learn more watch the video for a breakdown!
Impact on the hips and lower back
The Quadriceps can impact the hip directly via one of the muscles. This muscle is the Rectus Femoris. This muscle acts on both the hip and the knee. At the hip it provides hip flexion. When this muscle becomes ultra tight it can cause pain and tightness of the hip. The discomfort is felt on the front side of the thigh. At times into the groin.
Along, with the most powerful hip flexor in the body it can cause pain and tightness in the lower back. This happens because when the muscles become short and tight, they can cause an anterior rotation of the pelvis. This condition occurs when the muscles shorten and tighten.
This can cause an increased lordotic curve in the lumbar spine (lower back). This excessive curve can cause pain and irritation of the joints. It can also cause a compensation action where the muscles of the lower back tighten. This can cause pain and discomfort.
To treat the Rectus Femoris it can be necessary to dig deep into the muscle. Deep tissue massage for quadriceps can put enough pressure on this muscle to stretch it and release it.
Impact on the knees
Deep tissue massage for quadriceps is necessary when there is knee pain stemming from the muscles and fascia. The quadriceps group are large powerful muscles. The muscle is thick. Therefore, it is necessary to exert enough force. This force helps these muscles to relax.
This is especially true for athletic-types. These would be individuals that run, cycle, implore tones of squats, lunges and other leg exercises. Typically, from a behavioral perspective, stretching routines should be more aggressive for these individuals. Although, usually these athletes admit to needing to do more stretching.
Deep tissue massage for quadriceps can benefit two other athletes. I have found to have very tight quadriceps are hockey players and soccer players. They generally have very thick quadriceps possibly because of the amount of use for their sports.
Three of the muscles Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis and Vastus Medialis have referral points in and around the knee. The Vastus Medialis trigger point can refer into the knee cap. The Vastus Lateralis (the most outer of the muscles) refers to the “outide” region of the lower thigh and knee. The Rectus Femoris can refer into the knee and the hip.
When a patient mentions symptoms in both their knees and hips, I focus on the Rectus Femoris.
Other Benefits
Here are 4 other extra benefits of deep tissue massage for quadriceps:
- Improved mobility of the knee. This is in both bending and extending. Deep tissue massage for quadriceps can improve how the knee feels when moving. Typically, the patient and I will observe this after treatment
- Improved mobility of the hip. This can be because of the Rectus Femoris becoming more relaxed
- Flexibility can be improved, thus potentially helping with injury prevention
- Because of all these benefits, it can translate to better performance at the gym or training for a sport
Deep tissue massage for quadriceps can be uncomfortable to downright excruciating. For many the benefits outweigh the longer term benefits. Do you, yourself need deeo tissue massage for these muscles? Please contact us and we can discuss what we can do for your quadriceps.
More Resources:
Scar tissue can cause chronic pain and tightness. Can your lower body issues stem from scar tissue? Here is “8 Questions About Scar Tissue Pain”. Knee pain? You can be predisposed because of your Quadriceps angle. Watch this video from our Pain Relief Fitness site, vprc.ca to learn more.
