Jumper’s Knee (patella tendinopathy)

Patella tendinopathy was called jumpers knee due the high incidence amongst athletes involved in jumping sports- such as volleyball, basketball and netball. However this condition may occur in both the sporty and non-sporty population groups.

Symptoms

• Pain just below the knee cap with jumping/changing direction
• Pain just below the knee cap with squatting
• Usually not associated with true “giving way”

Principles of Treatment

• Requires patience as it may require a few months of rehabilitation to reduce symptoms
• A graded strengthening programme to build both muscle and tendon strength through eccentric training
• Correction of biomechanics
• Lowering of load on the overloaded structures
• Increase shock absorption capacity
• The “core”, hip and ankle may require strengthening
• Correction of jumping technique
• Taping techniques (rigid or kinesiology taping) when indicated
• Dynamic balance training
• Soft tissue work
• Manual therapy

Early intervention is important as your physio would be able to advise on how to prevent further damage and commence with the most appropriate treatment plan to manage your pain.

“Self Help” rehab programmes commonly fail, due to poor management of symptoms, insufficient strength training, inappropriate loading or inappropriately adding speed or plyometric training too early.

At Vitality Physiotherapy, we are equipped with the skills and experience to perform all the necessary manual therapy as well as design the individualised training regime you require to return to your sport.