Training-Room Tips: Keep the Knee Bent When Icing Injured Thigh Muscles

Pat Aitken

Rather than straightening the leg when applying ice to injured thigh muscles, keep the leg bent.

Why a Bent Leg?
This position has important advantages. It keeps the muscle stretched so it will not cramp. Bending also prevents blood from pooling around the injured area, helping the muscle to heal faster and maintain its range of motion as the injury heals.

Be sure your athletes use a bent leg position for the first few days of icing.

Of course you'll use icing as part of a complete treatment program for quadriceps injuries that includes rest, compression and elevation.

References:
1. Merrill Ritter (M.D.) & Marjorie Albohm (ATC), Your Injury: A Commonsense Guide to Sports Injuries Masters Press, 1994.
2. Paul Wade, Sports Injuries: A Unique Guide to Self-Diagnosis and Rehabilitation, 3rd Edition, Churchill Livingstone, 2009.

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