Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)

What is Patellar Tendinopathy?

Patellar tendinopathy, or “jumper’s knee,” is an overuse injury of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It’s common in sports requiring frequent jumping or explosive leg movements.

Common Symptoms

• Pain at the base of the kneecap

• Pain with jumping, squatting, or stair climbing or descending stairs

• Tenderness over the patellar tendon

• Stiffness after activity

Physical Therapist Diagnosis

A PT assesses pain with palpation, resisted extension, and functional tests like squats or hops. Differential diagnosis rules out bursitis or fat pad irritation.

Why it Happens

Repetitive or excessive loading from jumping, sprinting, or poor landing mechanics overloads the tendon, leading to microtears and degeneration.

Why it Doesn’t Always Heal on Its Own

Rest provides temporary relief, but tendons require progressive loading to remodel and heal.

Ideal Physical Therapy Treatment

Rehab emphasizes tendon loading and correcting biomechanics. Dry needling can reduce muscle tension in the quads, aiding tendon recovery.

Key strategies include:

• Manual therapy for knee and hip mobility

• Dry needling for quadriceps tightness

• Eccentric and isometric strengthening of the patellar tendon

• Hip and core strengthening for load distribution

• Jump training and landing mechanics for sport-specific demands

Expected Outcomes

With consistent rehab, athletes typically return to sport within a few weeks, depending on severity. Recovery time can be significantly reduced with the right combination of treatments.