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JUMPER’S KNEE (PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY) – COMPLETE PHYSIOTHERAPY GUIDE | PHYSIO360.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • 19 hours ago
  • 3 min read


What is Jumper’s Knee?

Jumper’s Knee, medically known as Patellar Tendinopathy, is a common overuse injury of the knee that affects the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This tendon plays a crucial role in jumping, running, squatting, and landing activities.

This condition is frequently seen in athletes and physically active individuals, especially those involved in jumping sports like basketball, volleyball, football, athletics, and CrossFit.

At Physio360 Chennai, Jumper’s Knee is treated with a structured, evidence-based physiotherapy rehabilitation program aimed at pain relief, tendon healing, strength restoration, and safe return to sports.


Who is at Risk of Jumper’s Knee?

Jumper’s Knee can affect anyone, but it is more common in:

  • ✔ Athletes involved in jumping and sprinting sports

  • ✔ Runners and gym-goers

  • ✔ Dancers and fitness trainers

  • ✔ Individuals with a sudden increase in training load

  • ✔ People with poor lower-limb biomechanics


Common Causes of Jumper’s Knee

The primary cause is repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, leading to micro-tears and degeneration.

Major Causes Include:

  • 🔹 Repeated jumping and landing

  • 🔹 Sudden increase in training intensity

  • 🔹 Muscle tightness (quadriceps, hamstrings, calf)

  • 🔹 Weak quadriceps and hip muscles

  • 🔹 Poor foot mechanics (flat foot / over-pronation)

  • 🔹 Improper sports technique

  • 🔹 Inadequate warm-up and recovery

At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, the root cause is carefully identified, not just the site of pain.


Symptoms of Jumper’s Knee

Symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen if ignored.

Key Symptoms:

  • Pain just below the kneecap

  • Pain during jumping, running, squatting, or climbing stairs

  • Stiffness in the knee, especially after rest

  • Tenderness over the patellar tendon

  • Reduced sports performance

  • Pain increases after activity

Early physiotherapy intervention at Physio360 helps prevent progression to chronic tendon degeneration.


Stages of Jumper’s Knee

Understanding the stage helps plan proper treatment:

  1. Stage 1 – Pain only after activity

  2. Stage 2 – Pain during activity, but performanceis not affected

  3. Stage 3 – Pain during and after activity, affecting performance

  4. Stage 4 – Tendon tear (rare, severe)


Diagnosis of Jumper’s Knee

Diagnosis is mainly clinical, supported by imaging if required.

Assessment at Physio360 Includes:

  • Detailed activity and sports history

  • Posture and movement analysis

  • Palpation of the patellar tendon

  • Functional tests (squat, jump, step-down)

  • Muscle strength and flexibility assessment


Investigations (if needed):

  • 🩻 Ultrasound – to detect tendon degeneration

  • 🩻 MRI – for chronic or severe cases


Physiotherapy Treatment for Jumper’s Knee at Physio360

At Physio360 Chennai, treatment focuses on pain reduction, tendon healing, and long-term prevention, not just temporary relief.

1. Pain and Inflammation Management

  • ✔ Activity modification

  • ✔ Ice therapy

  • ✔ Electrotherapy (IFT / Ultrasound)

  • ✔ Patellar taping or knee brace


2. Tendon-Specific Exercise Therapy

This is the gold standard treatment for Jumper’s Knee.

  • ✔ Isometric exercises (pain relief phase)

  • ✔ Eccentric quadriceps strengthening

  • ✔ Progressive loading exercises

  • ✔ Functional and sport-specific drills


3. Flexibility Training

  • ✔ Quadriceps stretching

  • ✔ Hamstring stretching

  • ✔ Calf muscle stretching

  • ✔ Hip flexor mobility


4. Biomechanical Correction

  • ✔ Foot assessment and correction

  • ✔ Hip and core strengthening

  • ✔ Landing and jumping technique training

  • ✔ Gait retraining


5. Advanced Physiotherapy Techniques

  • ✔ Manual therapy

  • ✔ Myofascial release

  • ✔ Sports rehabilitation protocols

  • ✔ Return-to-sport conditioning

Physio360 is known as one of the best physiotherapy centres in Chennai for sports injuries and knee pain rehabilitation.


Do’s and Don’ts for Jumper’s Knee

Do’s

  • Follow a guided physiotherapy program

  • Warm up before the activity

  • Strengthen hips and core

  • Use proper footwear


Don’ts

  • Ignore knee pain

  • Continue jumping through pain

  • Sudden increase in training load

  • Self-exercise without guidance



How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery depends on severity and compliance:

  • Mild cases: 4–6 weeks

  • Moderate cases: 8–12 weeks

  • Chronic cases: 3–6 months

At Physio360, patients often experience faster recovery due to individualised rehabilitation programs.


Why Choose Physio360 for Jumper’s Knee Treatment?

Experienced sports physiotherapists

Evidence-based tendon rehabilitation

Personalised exercise programs

Advanced physiotherapy modalities

Focus on fast recovery and long-term prevention

Trusted physiotherapy clinic in Chennai


Prevention of Jumper’s Knee

  • ✔ Gradual training progression

  • ✔ Proper warm-up and cool-down

  • ✔ Regular strength and flexibility training

  • ✔ Early physiotherapy consultation


Final Words

Jumper’s Knee should never be ignored, especially in active individuals and athletes. With early diagnosis and proper physiotherapy management, complete recovery is achievable without surgery.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE ;

1.Physiotherapy management of patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2014.06.022.


 
 
 

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