Your musculoskeletal system is an intricate framework of interconnected muscles ligaments and tendons that work in sync. That’s the reason why the pain you’re feeling in your lower back might be as a result of misaligned muscles in your thighs and hips. This article will show you how to loosen tight quads to improve your sports performance and overall fitness as an athlete.
How to Loosen Tight Quads: Knowing The Basics
Quadriceps or ‘quads’ as athletes often called them are the four large muscles located at the front of your thigh. These four muscles converge at the kneecap (Patella) via strong cords of tendon and ligament. When these muscles get tight, it will leave you searching for how to loosen tight quads.
The four muscles are:
- Rectus femoris
- Vastus intermedius, Lateralis and Medialis
These four muscles work together to provide power to your feet for the normal range of motion required for everyday activities.
The quads and other complementary muscles (e.g., the hamstring and gluteus muscles) help to provide muscle connectivity between your femur and tibia and fibula.
How to Loosen Tight Quads – What Do Quads Do?
Your quadriceps primarily aid movement and momentum. The basic motion of the quads is to straighten your knee to allow you walk, climb sit, leap and squat.
Without the quads, it would be impossible for an NBA player to leap for the net to score a point. Think of them as the ‘spring’ in your step.
Now we know what quads are, let’s find out what causes them to tighten and then how to loosen tight quads.
How to Loosen Tight Quads – What Causes Tight Quads?
There are some factors which could cause tightness in thighs of both active and inactive (retired) athletes.
Many athletes ignore their post-workout cool-down exercise thinking it’s enough that they have had intensive training and that’s one of the reasons for tightness in the thighs.
Here are some common causes of tight quads:
- Lack of flexibility (Stiffness of quad muscles due to muscle under-utility)
- Sedentary lifestyle (This seldom applies to active athletes but could be a factor in people who don’t actively exercise)
- Muscle overuse (Excessive workouts or prolonged sports participation)
- Improper muscle balance (Training routines that don’t adequately stimulate the quadriceps)
Which of the following issues do you think you are more prone to having? Finding out the cause of Quad tightness could help you devise a targeted approach to loosen tight quads and prevent recurring incidents.
The good news is that there some easy to do exercises to actively prevent tight quads as well as relieve tight ones. Below are a few effective workouts.
How to Loosen Tight Quads – Stretches for the Quadriceps
There are many simple to do Quad stretches to loosen thigh tightness in athletes. The best part is that they can be done anywhere and require no special equipment.
How to Loosen Tight Quads – Standing Quad Stretches
- In a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your left knee to your back as far as you can, using one hand to clasp your ankle.
- Hold the position for 15-30 seconds.
- Do 3-5 reps alternating between both legs.
How to Loosen Tight Quads – Belly Quad Stretches
- Get into a prone position – stomach on the floor
- Bend your left knee back as far as you can
- Hold the position for 15-30 seconds.
- Do 3-5 reps alternating between both legs.
How to Loosen Tight Quads – Oblique Quad Stretches
- Lie with your side
- Bend the knee of the upper leg as far back as you can
- Hold the position for 15-30 seconds.
- Do 3-5 reps alternating between both legs.
How to Loosen Tight Quads – Sports Known For Producing Tight Quads
Besides doing workouts, some everyday sporting activities could also help keep your quads in pristine shape. Any sports that require a lot of jumping or acceleration are going to produce tight quads.
Cycling
Cycling is a very difficult sport on your hips and quads. It is the main muscle that pushes you forward as you pedal on that bike. Not only do cyclists have massive quads but they also have to deal with constant tightness in their quads.
Sprinting (Any Speed Sports)
Experts say Quad muscles are usually worked during sprints. You don’t need to be a track and field athlete to harness the benefits of a light run. The problem is that sprinters don’t go for light runs. Sprinters give everything they have when they accelerate, and it is during this acceleration that the quads get worked. The problem is that the more the quads work, the more chance you have of pulling your hamstring due to quad dominance.
Hos to Loosen Tight Quads When You Can’t Do It On Your Own
Sometimes you can ice and stretch all you want, but a muscle is tight because another area is not working or because it is protecting you. With the hips, for example, your back may be hurting because your psoas is doing too much work and it is also tight. The psoas may be doing too much work because your other hip flexors are not activating correctly. The chain reaction could keep going if you don’t figure out how to loosen tight quads.
Sometimes you need the help of a sports medicine provider. Sports medicine providers are used to working with athletes that need to get results quickly, to get back on the field. If you are not an athlete, I am sure that you still want quick results.
There are many different options you can go with when looking for a provider. You could get a chiropractor, massage therapist, physical therapist or many other options. The key is finding someone you trust and that you are excited to work with.
How to Find The Best Healthcare Providers When You Need to Know How to Loosen Tight Quads
9INE POINT Health is the best place to find the health care providers you need for any injuries. It does not matter where you are hurting; a 9INE POINT Health provider will be able to get you healthy again. 9INE POINT allows you to find the best local providers and compare them quickly using the 9INE POINT Number.
If you have no idea what you need, but you know you need something, 9INE POINT Health is an injury guide, and you will get helped through the process. We make it easier for you to find the information and the person you are looking for.
Skills to Look for in a Healthcare Provider When Wanting to Know How to Loosen Tight Quads:
- Active Release Technique
- Graston Technique
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Fascial Stretch Therapy
- Corrective exercises
- Dry Needling
- Sports Background
- Functional Movement Screen
- And more
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
