Patella Tendinopathy rehabilitation

Patella tendinopathy is a common source of pain felt at the front of the knee, just below the knee cap. It is often felt when the knee is loaded e.g. jumping, squatting, going down stairs, kneeling

Contrary to previous beliefs, the patella tendon is not inflamed. Rather is has developed degenerative changes. Hence the ineffectiveness of anti-inflammatory medication and the change of terminology from ‘tendonitis’ to ‘tendinopathy’.

Eccentric exercise training has been used to treat patella tendinopathy. Eccentric exercises (loading a muscle/group of muscles when they are lengthening rather than shortening) can be provocative. For individuals unable to tolerate eccentric exercises a progressive tendon loading exercise regime may be more beneficial.

As is the case for all rehabilitation, it should be tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Experienced physiotherapists can provide expert supervision to ensure individuals perform their exercises correctly and hence optimise the benefits from them. This is particularly important during the initial rehabilitation stage.