Quadriceps femoris
Body region：Thigh
Front thigh pain, knee pain that worsens on stairs
Function
Four heads originate from the iliac bone and femur and insert at the patella and tibia. Extends the knee; the rectus femoris also assists hip flexion.
Common causes
Running, climbing stairs, excessive squats, or sudden exercise after prolonged sitting.
Massage and stretching
- Heel of the hand pushes from the knee toward the hip
- Standing stretch
Related acupoints
- Liangqiu (ST34)：About 2 cun above the upper outer edge of the patella
- Xuehai (SP10)：With the knee bent, about 2 cun above the upper inner edge of the patella, on the muscle bulge
- Fengshi (GB31)：Outer thigh, where the middle fingertip touches when standing with the arms relaxed at the sides
Related meridians
Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming、Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin