Physiotherapy for Patellar Tendonitis aka Jumper’s Knee
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Patellar tendonitis, also known as patellar tendinopathy or jumper's knee, is a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shinbone) and plays a crucial role in the extension of the knee joint. Patellar tendonitis commonly occurs in athletes involved in sports that require repetitive jumping or running activities, hence the term "jumper's knee." However, it can also affect individuals who engage in other activities that involve frequent knee extension and loading.
The exact cause of patellar tendonitis is often multifactorial, but repetitive stress and overuse are major contributing factors. Some common causes and risk factors include:
- Overuse and repetitive activities: Participating in activities that involve repetitive jumping, landing, or running, such as basketball, volleyball, track and field, or dancing, can place excessive stress on the patellar tendon and lead to inflammation and degeneration.
- Sudden increase in activity or intensity: A rapid increase in training volume, frequency, or intensity without proper conditioning or gradual progression can overload the patellar tendon and contribute to the development of tendonitis.
- Biomechanical factors: Abnormalities in lower limb biomechanics, such as excessive pronation (flat feet), tightness in the calf muscles, quadriceps muscle imbalances, or poor landing mechanics, can alter the forces applied to the patellar tendon and increase the risk of tendonitis.
- Poor flexibility or muscle imbalances: Lack of flexibility in the quadriceps, hamstrings, or calf muscles, as well as muscle imbalances between the quadriceps and hamstrings, can affect the mechanics of the knee joint and place additional strain on the patellar tendon.
- Age and degeneration: Older individuals or those with pre-existing degenerative changes in the tendon may be more susceptible to developing patellar tendonitis.
The primary symptom of patellar tendonitis is pain in the front of the knee, just below the patella. The pain is often described as a dull, aching sensation that may increase with activity, especially jumping or running. Other common symptoms include:
- Tenderness and swelling: The area around the patellar tendon may be tender to the touch, and mild swelling may be present.
- Stiffness or tightness: The knee joint may feel stiff or tight, particularly after periods of inactivity.
- Pain during activity or after prolonged sitting: Pain typically worsens during activities that load the tendon and may be exacerbated after prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
- Gradual onset: Patellar tendonitis usually develops gradually over time, with symptoms initially appearing during or after activity and progressing if not properly managed.
How can Patellar Tendonitis be treated?
Treatment for patellar tendonitis typically involves a combination of conservative measures, such as:
- Rest and activity modification: Reducing or modifying activities that aggravate symptoms to allow the tendon to heal.
- Physical therapy: A physiotherapist will do a comprehensive examination to determine the cause, tissue health and understand the underlying causes to effectively address the issue by designing a specific Neuromuscular exercise program to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve flexibility by Soft tissue technique, and promote proper biomechanics by Joint Mobilization / Manipulation. Neuromuscular exercise may Include eccentric exercises,Selective stretching, and functional strengthening exercises targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
- Pain management: Using ice therapy, laser, or other modalities to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Biomechanical analysis and correction: Addressing any biomechanical issues, such as foot pronation or muscle imbalances, to optimize knee mechanics and reduce stress on the patellar tendon.
- Orthotics or bracing: In some cases, the use of orthotics or patellar straps/braces can help support the tendon and alleviate symptoms. Read more about Custom Orthotics that can help you with knee pain.
- Gradual return to activity: Gradually reintroducing activities, with a focus on proper technique and adequate rest and recovery, to avoid re-injury.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a sports physiotherapist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of patellar tendonitis. They can provide personalized treatment recommendations based on the severity of the condition and individual factors. Read more about Sports Physiotherapy.
How can a Physiotherapist and Chiropractor help for Patellar Tendonitis?
Both physiotherapists and chiropractors do play a vital role in the management and treatment of patellar tendonitis. Here's how each approach can help:
Physiotherapy
- Assessment and diagnosis: A physiotherapist will evaluate your condition, assess the severity of patellar tendonitis, and identify any contributing factors such as muscle imbalances, biomechanical issues, or training errors.
- Exercise therapy: Physiotherapists who are expert in designing a tailored exercise program to strengthen the surrounding muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. This may involve eccentric exercises (lengthening contractions), stretching exercises, and exercises to improve flexibility and mobility of the knee joint.
- Biomechanical analysis and correction: Physiotherapists during examination also assess your movement patterns, running or jumping techniques, and lower limb alignment to identify any faulty mechanics that contribute to patellar tendonitis. Addressing the issue by providing guidance on proper form, technique, and footwear to reduce stress on the tendon.
- Manual therapy: Physiotherapists expert with hands-on approach uses techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release,MET, Graston,Cupping therapy or targeted massage to address muscle imbalances, reduce tightness, and promote tissue healing in the affected area.
- Pain management: Physiotherapists During therapy also use modalities such as ice therapy, ultrasound,laser or electrical stimulation to help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Biomechanical aids: Physiotherapists may recommend the use of orthotics, braces, or taping techniques to support the patellar tendon, improve biomechanics, and relieve symptoms.
- Activity modification and education: Physiotherapists can provide guidance on activity modification, training modifications, and proper warm-up and cool-down routines to prevent aggravation of symptoms and promote healing.
- Gradual return to activity: Physiotherapists can develop a plan for a progressive return to activity or sport, ensuring that the tendon is given adequate time to heal and gradually reintroducing appropriate exercises and loads.
Chiropractic Care
- Spinal and joint alignment: Chiropractors focus on optimizing spinal and joint alignment, including the knee joint. They are experts in chiropractic adjustments or manipulations to improve joint mobility, correct any misalignments, and promote overall joint function.
- Soft tissue techniques: Chiropractors Who are expert in hands on therapy approach employ soft tissue techniques such as myofascial release, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), Cupping therapy or Active Release Techniques (ART) to address muscle imbalances, tightness, and restrictions in the surrounding soft tissues.
- Rehabilitation exercises: Chiropractors also prescribe Neuromuscular exercises to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, targeting the muscles around the knee and addressing any contributing factors to patellar tendonitis.
- Biomechanical analysis and correction: Chiropractors can assess lower limb biomechanics, foot alignment, and movement patterns to identify any abnormalities that may contribute to patellar tendonitis. They can provide advice on proper footwear and make recommendations for corrective exercises or modifications to movement patterns.
- Pain management: Chiropractors can offer pain management strategies such as applying heat or cold therapy, recommending specific stretches or exercises for pain relief, or providing advice on the use of over-the-counter pain medications.
- Lifestyle and ergonomic advice: Chiropractors may provide guidance on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications to reduce stress on the patellar tendon and promote optimal healing.
- Preventive care: Chiropractors can provide advice on injury prevention techniques, warm-up exercises, stretching routines, and modifications to training or exercise programs to minimize the risk of patellar tendonitis recurrence.
Physiotherapy is an effective tool, and the first line of defense for a comprehensive treatment plan for knee pain. Our therapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and provide guidance on how to manage your condition.
At Alleviate Physiotherapy near you, our expert therapists can provide you with effective treatment, helping to relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent re-injury. We develop personalized treatment plans that take into account our client’s specific needs and goals to help them lead a pain free life.
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