What is a Pulled Quad Muscle?

A quadriceps strain, or a pulled quad muscle, occurs when there is a partial tear in one or more of the small fibers that make up your quadriceps muscles. The quadriceps are a large group of four muscles located in the front of your thigh that stretch from your hip to your knee – a tear in any of these muscles is considered a pulled quad muscle.

Your quadriceps are responsible for extending your lower legs and they work opposite the hamstrings. As the largest muscle group in the legs, they are a big part of your lower body motion. If you pull your quads in anything by a minor way, it’s in your best interest to address it properly.

Most commonly, eccentric contraction is responsible for muscle pulls. More simply put, imagine contracting (tensing) your muscle in one direction while simultaneously it is being forced in the opposite direction by some outside force. The tension created has the ability to cause a muscle strain or pull.

Quad pulls and strains are extremely common in many sports including:

• football
• basketball
• baseball
• running
• track and field events
• rugby
• cycling
• tennis
• field hockey
• soccer

Related Hip Flexor Articles:
Pulled Quad Symptoms
Severe Pulled Quad
Pulled Quadriceps Treatment
Quadriceps Stretch