Are you suffering from patellar tendonitis? Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a common overuse injury that affects the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Fortunately, with proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people can fully recover from this condition and return to regular activities. Physical therapy is an essential component for recovery from patellar tendonitis. At Twin Boro Physical Therapy, a skilled physical therapist will work with you to develop a comprehensive recovery program to help reduce pain, improve strength and flexibility, and promote healing.
How does physical therapy help patellar tendonitis recovery?
The primary symptom of patellar tendonitis is pain in the front of the knee, just below the kneecap. This pain may be mild initially, but it can become severe and persistent if left untreated. Other symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, and weakness in the affected knee.
One of the goals of physical therapy for patellar tendonitis is to reduce pain and inflammation through various modalities, such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation stimulates the muscles and nerves in the affected area, reducing pain and improving muscle function.
Another critical aspect of a comprehensive physical therapy plan for patellar tendonitis is therapeutic exercise. Exercises are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the knee and surrounding muscles. Typical activities for patellar tendonitis include:
- Straight leg raises – This exercise involves lying on your back with your affected leg straight and lifting it a few inches off the ground. This exercise strengthens the quadriceps, which are important muscles for knee stability.
- Wall squats – This exercise involves standing with your back against a wall and bending your knees as if sitting in a chair. This exercise helps strengthen the quadriceps and glutes, improving knee stability and reducing pain.
- Hamstring curls – This exercise involves lying on your stomach with your legs straight and lifting your heels towards your buttocks. This exercise helps to strengthen the hamstring muscles, which are essential for knee stability and shock absorption.
- Foam rolling – This exercise involves using a foam roller to apply pressure to the muscles surrounding the knee, which can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing.
In addition to these exercises, your physical therapist may recommend other interventions such as massage, joint mobilization, and taping. Massage can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, while joint mobilization can help improve range of motion and pain. Taping supports the knee and reduces stress on the patellar tendon during activities.
In some cases, more advanced interventions may be necessary to recover from patellar tendonitis fully. These may include corticosteroid injections or surgery. These interventions, however, are typically only considered after more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, have been attempted.
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With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people can fully recover from patellar tendonitis and return to their pain-free lives. If you suffer from patellar tendonitis, contact Twin Boro Physical Therapy. A skilled physical therapist will work with you to develop a comprehensive, personalized program to help reduce pain, improve strength and flexibility, and promote healing. Call 732.554.0775 or visit our scheduling page today!
