Patellar Tendinitis

Treatment for jumper's knee and patellar tendon pain

Understanding Patellar Tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis — commonly known as jumper’s knee — is an overuse injury affecting the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It’s extremely common in basketball players, volleyball players, runners, and anyone who performs repetitive jumping, squatting, or sprinting.

At DSM, we combine shockwave therapy, dry needling, and eccentric strengthening to heal the damaged tendon and correct the biomechanical factors that caused the overload. Our approach gets athletes back to jumping and running faster than rest alone.

Symptoms

Pain directly below the kneecap
Pain with jumping, squatting, or going up/down stairs
Stiffness after sitting for long periods
Tenderness when pressing on the patellar tendon
Pain that worsens with activity intensity
Swelling around the kneecap

Common Causes

Repetitive Jumping & Landing

Basketball, volleyball, and track and field athletes place enormous stress on the patellar tendon with every jump and landing.

Sudden Increase in Training Volume

Rapid increases in running mileage, jump training, or squat volume can overload the tendon before it can adapt.

Quadriceps & Hamstring Imbalances

Muscle imbalances around the knee alter loading patterns and increase stress on the patellar tendon.

Poor Landing Mechanics

Landing with stiff legs or excessive knee valgus (inward collapse) concentrates force through the patellar tendon.

When to Seek Treatment

Seek treatment at the first signs of patellar tendon pain. Continuing to train through jumper’s knee without treatment allows the tendon to degenerate further, making recovery significantly longer. Early intervention is critical.

Treatment Options

Shockwave Therapy (MYACT)

Acoustic compression therapy stimulates healing in the damaged patellar tendon and is one of the most evidence-supported treatments for tendinopathy.

Dry Needling

Releases trigger points in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles that contribute to altered knee mechanics and patellar tendon overload.

Eccentric Strengthening

Progressive eccentric exercises (decline squats, slow negatives) stimulate tendon remodeling and rebuild strength.

Cupping & Myofascial Release

Improves blood flow to the tendon and releases restrictions in the surrounding soft tissues.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Patellar tendinitis recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks with consistent treatment and rehabilitation. Athletes can often continue modified training during recovery. The key is progressive loading — your provider will guide the return to full activity based on how the tendon responds.

Start Your Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep playing sports with jumper's knee?

In many cases, activity can continue with modifications (reduced jumping volume, load management). Complete rest is rarely the best approach. Your DSM provider will help you manage training load while the tendon heals.

Does patellar tendinitis ever fully heal?

Yes. With proper treatment, tendon loading programs, and addressing the underlying causes, patellar tendinitis can fully resolve. The key is not just resting, but actively rehabilitating the tendon to rebuild its capacity.