top of page
< Back

Rectus Femoris

Region

Origin & Insertion

['Origin: AIIS', 'Insertion: Tibial tuberosity via patellar tendon']

Synergistic Muscles

['Vastus group', 'Iliopsoas']

Joints

['Hip', 'Knee']

Primary Actions

['Knee extension', 'Hip flexion']

Nerve & Spinal Segment

Femoral nerve

Lumbar plexus; L2–L4

Interesting

Only quad crossing hip. [Gray's]

Reversal of Action

Anterior pelvic tilt with knee fixed

Common Dysfunctions

Anterior knee pain, quadriceps dominance, hip flexor tightness

How to Stretch

Standing quad stretch with pelvic tuck.

Trigger Points

How to Strengthen

Knee extension under load.

Concentric Action

Extend knee, flex hip

Applications:

2-joint muscle; often tight in posture dysfunctions

Eccentric Action

Lower leg from straightened position

Isotonic Action

Leg press, knee extensions

Related Conditions

['Patellar tendinitis', 'Anterior pelvic tilt']

Isometric Action

Wall sit or straight leg hold

Exercise Ideas

['Leg press', 'Step-ups', 'Split squat']

Related Blogs

Images

Videos

bottom of page