Ieuan – the importance of looking beyond the injury
15 July 2025Ieuan, a full-time firefighter, came to the Hub with persistent quad pain and tightness that had been hanging around since an old squat injury back in January. Despite resting and reducing his training, the pain flared up every time he tried to lift heavy. Frustrated and held back, he booked in with our lead practitioner, Luke, to get some answers and a plan.
Luke carried out a full assessment, looking at movement, strength and control under load. The diagnosis? A mild quad strain that hadn’t settled fully. But there was something else – significant tightness and weakness through the gluteal structures on the same leg. Could this imbalance have been affecting his recovery?
Ieuan was given clear advice and progressive rehab exercises. These included movements to help activate supporting structures like his glutes, for better overall support when exercising, and then gentle loading of the injured quadriceps to aid repair and recovery. Ieuan also received support and advice for managing both his training intensity and the physical demands of his job. It wasn’t a quick fix, but with consistency and guidance, the results started to show.
Now, Ieuan is working towards pain free squatting with confidence. His story is a brilliant example of how digging deeper and addressing the whole picture, rather than just chasing pain, can lead to long-term results.
If you’re stuck with a recurring injury or unsure how to move forward, get in touch. We’re here to help.
