Imagine how slow our world would be without our legs… As our primary source of movement: keeping our legs injury free is of the utmost importance. The physio Brisbane team at Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy are experts at providing calf, quad and hamstring rehab for treating leg injuries to help you continue to move forward!
Consisting of major muscles and a quarter of the body’s bones, the legs allow us to walk, run, jump, kick a ball and drive a car. Held together by multiple muscle groups such as the hamstrings, quads and calves.
In addition to key joints such as the knees and ankles, the legs are structurally able to support our body and functional enough to allow us to run marathons and climb mountains.
Despite this, legs can often become injured due to the sheer complexity of interconnecting muscle groups, often as a result of overworking certain muscles through physical activities and sports.
PRIMARY FUNCTION OF YOUR LEGS
The main function of our legs is to support the upper body and to help us get from A to B. Each muscle group contributes to lower body movement, countering movements through flexion and compression, and provides stability.
The quadriceps, often the strongest leg muscle, help extend the leg, ultimately taking the majority of the weight while we stand. Strain and contusions are common and can be treated with quad injury rehab. The hamstrings, located at the back of the thigh, affect hip and knee movement, making them the powerhouse muscle for sprinting and running. Physio for hamstring injury can help reduce pain and rebuild the muscles.
The calf muscle helps control the movement of the ankle and foot, and also provides support for the knee. Together they allow us to move.
LEG INJURIES & SYMPTOMS
Due to simply how much we use our legs, particularly if we play sport or are routinely physically active, injuries requiring quad, hamstring or calf physiotherapy can frequently occur. Runner stretching exercises, muscle sprains, ligament tears, and worn cartilage can be quite common.
Injuries such as Runners Knee and shin splints are common for those who run, regardless of how regularly, and often present pain in the kneecap or in the side of the shins. Other injuries such as a tear in the Achilles tendon or the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)are common sporting injuries, which severely impact and limit any movement of the legs and the ability to walk or support the body’s weight.
The most common of all leg injuries is the simple cramp, an involuntary contraction of one or more muscles, often the result of muscle overuse or strain. While harmless in most cases, cramps can cause several moments of pain or uncomfortableness.
Specific conditions: Hamstring Injury, ITB friction syndrome, Calf Cramps, Shin Splints.
INJURY AVOIDANCE & RECOVERY FOLLOWING A LEG INJURY
Proactively averting hamstring rehab can be easily accomplished. The majority of muscle sprains and tears can be avoided through proper stretching and warming up. As multiple muscles are needed to run and play sports, it’s important to individually warm up each muscle group, as well as are ensuring the joints are properly prepared.
Fixing misalignments in the ankles, knees, and hips can also reduce the likelihood of injury, as the stress is spread evenly amongst the joints and muscles. Consulting with physiotherapists can assist in identifying areas of concern, as well as recovery prevention and treatments.
Building strength can also limit the need for quad injury rehab, as the muscles become used to certain types of movement. Provided they are done with the correct form, exercises such as squats and lunges can limit major injuries.
If you are suffering from leg pain or soreness, come see our friendly Pivotal Motion physiotherapist Brisbane North. Book an appointment online or call us today on 07 3352 5116.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I need to take part in calf, quad or hamstring rehab?
The length of rehab is contingent on the extent of the injury. Give us a call on 07 3352 5116 or schedule an appointment to discuss your specific situation. We’d be happy to help.
Should I stretch a strained hamstring?
While stretching can be a good preventive measure, after injury it can potentially do more harm than good. Talk with our experienced team of professionals for specific guidance concerning hamstring rehab.
Do I need calf physiotherapy for my calf strain or will it heal on its own?
Muscles will heal on their own, but a proper treatment program designed by knowledgeable professionals can reduce the recovery time as well as the chance of re-injury.