hip flexor or top of quadriceps

Our user asked: "was sprinting while playing soccer and felt a slight pop near the hip flexor and insertion point of the quad at the top of my leg. First wondering if it is a quad pull or hip flexor strain. There is soreness at the hip flexor and slightly below near the extreme top of my quad. also what would be the best treatment other than ice and rest? should I be trying to do hip flexor stretches? at this time it is very painful to even try and stretch the hip flexor per the video I saw on the site..

Ask a PT Response: "As far as your question goes - is it a hip flexor or quad strain? - I would ask does it hurt more to bring your hip up (flexion) like in marching when standing/sitting or does it hurt more to straighten your knee? The secondary function of the quadriceps (rectus femoris portion) does act as a hip flexor as well, so you may experience some pain with hip flexion if this muscle is injured. Upon palpation, tenderness more medially (towards groin) would be more indicative of a hip flexor strain vs a rectus femoris strain based on insertion of these muscles. Nevertheless, it would be difficult to determine what exactly is going on without physically examining you. For my paitents that have strained their quad or hip flexor, I recommend that they start off with very gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to maintain range of motion and strength. For a beginner hip flexor stretch they can lay on a bed and let the affected leg hang off the bed for a gentle stretch. For a gentle quad stretch the patient can lay prone and bring his/her heel to the buttock (see attachment). I hope this helps. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions."