Patellar tendinitis is a common source of pain in athletes of jumping sports, such as basketball and volleyball. It is an inflammation of the patella tendon, usually developing over time. The athlete complains of pain at the lower part of the patella where the tendon attaches. He also might feel pain at the insertion of the patella tendon into the tibia at the tibial tuberosity. It can be very painful to athletes who need explosive strength with jumping and pushing off. Therefore, it can significantly limit an athlete’s ability to play at a high level. Exercises for patellar tendinitis can be very helpful.
Treatment for patellar tendinitis is almost always nonsurgical. Short-term rest from the offending activity can be helpful, although this is difficult in a high-level athlete during the season. Occasionally, a small area of degeneration within the tendon (tendinopathy) can develop that makes healing and resolution of the pain difficult.
In this video, physical therapist Yves Gege and I show a few exercises for patellar tendinitis. You can try them to recover from patellar tendinitis.
Remember, these exercise posts, like other information on this site, are not intended to represent specific medical advice. If you have any questions about this injury or of its treatment, make sure to see your doctor or a physical therapist.
Also read:
Patellar tendonitis: Signs, symptoms and remedies for this difficult knee problem
