Gianni HLIBOCIANU, Tudor - Andrei BARBUR, Codrut BULZ, Dorina IANC

Rectus femoris tear; rehabilitation; football; return to play; muscle injury.

Introduction: Rectus femoris muscle injuries are relatively uncommon in football compared to other lower-limb muscle strains, yet they can significantly affect athletic performance and return-to-play timelines. Aim: The main objective of this study is to analyze the effect of physiotherapy on the recovery process of a professional football player following a rectus femoris tear, with particular attention to the restoration of functional capacity and the facilitation of a safe Return-to-Play. Material and methods: An eight-week, three-phase physiotherapy program was implemented, focusing sequentially on pain and inflammation reduction, restoration of joint mobility and muscle strength, and sport-specific functional recovery. Clinical evaluations - including pain assessment, manual muscle testing, goniometry, and thigh circumference - along with functional tests such as the Active Knee Extension Test, Squat Test, Single-Leg Hop Test, Reverse Nordic Curl, and Y-Balance Test, were conducted at three time points to track progress. Results: Findings showed progressive improvement across all parameters, with complete pain resolution, normalization of muscle strength, and restoration of functional performance by the final evaluation. The athlete successfully returned to full team training and competitive play within 56 days. Conclusion: This case highlights the effectiveness of a structured, criteria-based rehabilitation approach in achieving a safe and efficient return to sport following rectus femoris muscle injury.

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