Patellar tendinopathy, sometimes known as jumper’s knee, is a common cause of pain at the front of the knee. It frequently affects people who participate in running, jumping and other high-impact activities, but it can also develop in anyone who regularly places increased demands on their knees.
While reducing aggravating activities can help settle symptoms, a structured physiotherapy rehabilitation programme can be an important part of recovery. At Galway Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation in Oranmore, Galway, we provide personalised assessment and treatment for patellar tendinopathy and other causes of knee pain.
What Is Patellar Tendinopathy?
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone and plays an important role in straightening the knee. Patellar tendinopathy occurs when the tendon struggles to tolerate the loads being placed on it, resulting in pain and reduced function.
Common symptoms include pain below the kneecap, discomfort during activities such as running, jumping, squatting or climbing stairs, and stiffness or pain following exercise. Symptoms may initially be manageable but can gradually become more persistent if the tendon continues to be overloaded.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy for patellar tendinopathy focuses on improving the capacity of the tendon and surrounding muscles to tolerate load while helping you gradually return to your normal activities.
1. Identify the Cause of Your Knee Pain
A physiotherapy assessment can help identify contributing factors such as changes in training volume, exercise technique, muscle strength, movement patterns or insufficient recovery. Understanding these factors can help create an effective rehabilitation plan.
2. Manage Pain and Training Load
Completely stopping activity is not always necessary. Your physiotherapist can advise you on how to modify running, jumping, gym work or sport while keeping symptoms under control and allowing the tendon to gradually adapt.
3. Build Strength
Progressive strengthening is a key part of patellar tendon rehabilitation. Exercises can target the quadriceps, glutes and other muscles around the hip and knee, gradually increasing the amount of load the tendon can tolerate.
4. Improve Performance and Function
As your symptoms improve, rehabilitation can progress from basic strengthening exercises to more demanding movements such as hopping, jumping, running and sport-specific drills. This helps prepare your knee for the activities you want to return to.
5. Help Prevent Future Problems
A successful rehabilitation programme isn’t just about getting out of pain. Developing appropriate strength, conditioning and load-management strategies can improve your knee’s ability to cope with future demands and reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
If knee pain is limiting your ability to exercise, play sport, run, jump or perform everyday activities, a physiotherapy assessment can help you understand what’s causing your symptoms and what you can do to improve them.
At Galway Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Oranmore, Galway, we provide individualised physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes designed around your goals, whether that’s returning to running, getting back to sport or simply moving comfortably again.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain below your kneecap or symptoms consistent with patellar tendinopathy, contact Galway Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation to arrange an assessment and take the next step towards recovery.