Patellar Tendinopathy
Anatomy and Physiology of the Knee Joint
● The patellofemoral joint consists of the patella (knee cap), which articulates with the femur (thigh bone)
● The quadricep muscle has a close connection with the patellar tendon, that is located just inferior to the patella through the quadriceps tendon.
● The quadricep muscle helps to straight and extend the knee
What is Patellar Tendinopathy?
● Patellar tendinopathy most commonly causes anterior knee
pain and is localized just below the patella (knee cap).
● This is due to excessive loading and demand on the
quadricep muscles that helps to extend the knee
● This condition usually occurs in the younger population,
involved in sports (basketball, football, volleyball, etc..),
due to the repetitive loading of the patellar tendon
Common Symptoms
● Pain localized to the front of the knee
● Increased pain with going up/down the stairs, squatting, or standing up from a chair
● Rest usually relieves pain
● Pain usually increases with loading of the patellar tendon and decreases immediately when the load is removed
Considerations/Ways to Reduce Additional Pain
● RICE Method (if appropriate): (R)- Rest; (I)- Ice; (C)- Compression, (E)- Elevation
● Change activities to more low-impact exercises
● Stay away from activities or exercises that make the pain worse/increase
● Maintain a healthy weight to reduce additional stress/pressure on knees
● Warm up prior to any type of physical activity
● Wear patellar strap for short-term relief
How Can We Help At ProTailored?
Our therapists have been specially trained to perform various hands-on manual techniques to address your musculoskeletal limitations. Some of the manual techniques you may experience at ProTailored Physical Therapy include:
● Manual therapy techniques
○ Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilizations
○ Dynamic and Static Cupping
○ Myofascial Active Trigger Point Releases
○ Muscle Energy Techniques
○ Dry Needling
○ Joint Mobilization
● Stretching
● Strengthening (focusing on isometrics and eccentric based exercises)
● Education on correct body mechanics during functional tasks (lifting, yardwork, carrying, squatting, cleaning)
Exercises at Home
For more on Patellar Tendinopathy relief or believe you have this disorder and would like to try conservative treatment, reach out to ProTailored Physical Therapy or call us at (260) 900-2437.