# A criteria-based progressive rehabilitation program for rectus femoris strain in a recreational soccer player: a case report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a 6-week rehabilitation program that helped a recreational soccer player recover from a rectus femoris strain and return to play pain-free.

## Contribution

The study introduces a criteria-based, progressive rehabilitation approach tailored for a grade 1 rectus femoris strain in a recreational athlete.

## Key findings

- The patient returned to soccer after 6 weeks of rehabilitation with no pain.
- Progression criteria were met at week 2, week 4, and week 6 for each rehabilitation phase.
- Combining specific rectus femoris training with cross-training maintained cardiorespiratory fitness.

## Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe the criteria-based progressive rehabilitation program implemented on a recreational soccer player diagnosed with a grade 1 rectus femoris strain.

Methods: A 33-year-old male injured the rectus femoris muscle. At the first physical examination, the patient showed significant physical impairment due to important limitations to the active range of motion of the knee flexion and the hip flexor strength. The rehabilitation program consisted of specific training of the rectus femoris, lumbopelvic stabilization, mobility exercises, and running technique exercises, for 6 weeks, which was divided into three phases. Each week, the patient performed four rehabilitation sessions, combined with cross-training (swimming), to maintain his cardiorespiratory capacity.

Results: The patient improved functionally and returned to play soccer 6 weeks after the injury without pain. Moreover, the patient passed the criteria of each phase at week 2 for phase 1, at week 4 for phase 2 and at week 6 for phase 3.

Conclusion: This case study demonstrates that criteria of progression may control the return to sport timetable for recreational soccer players according to the functional and clinical limitations throughout the entire treatment.