Patellar Tendinopathy: Diagnosis and Physical Therapy Treatment

If you're an athlete or an active individual experiencing pain at the front of your knee—especially during or after jumping, squatting, or running—you may be dealing with patellar tendinopathy. This condition, often called "jumper's knee," can significantly affect your performance and quality of life if left untreated. At Rock Solid Physical Therapy and Performance, we specialize in identifying and resolving this type of knee pain using proven, personalized treatment strategies.

What Is Patellar Tendinopathy?

Patellar tendinopathy is a condition involving degenerative changes in the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). It typically develops from overuse, particularly in activities involving repetitive jumping, cutting, or sudden acceleration. Rather than being caused by inflammation, as in tendinitis, tendinopathy is marked by micro-tearing, disorganized collagen fibers, and a failed healing response within the tendon itself.

The pain is usually localized at the inferior pole of the patella and may worsen with activity, especially loaded knee extension movements such as squats, lunges, or step-downs.

How Is Patellar Tendinopathy Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on your symptoms and a thorough physical examination. Physical therapists look for:

• Tenderness at the inferior patellar pole

• Pain during resisted knee extension

• Symptoms that worsen with activity and improve with rest

• Pain during single-leg decline squats

In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI can confirm tendon thickening or structural irregularities, but most diagnoses can be made without it.

Differential Diagnoses: What Else Could It Be?

Because many knee conditions cause similar symptoms, it's crucial to rule out other possible diagnoses, including:

• Quadriceps tendinopathy

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)

• Osgood-Schlatter disease (especially in adolescents)

• Meniscal pathology

• Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome

A skilled clinician can differentiate these by examining symptom location, aggravating factors, and functional testing results.

How Physical Therapy Can Treat Patellar Tendinopathy

At Rock Solid Physical Therapy and Performance, we take an evidence-based approach to treat patellar tendinopathy and get you back to full function—pain-free and performing stronger than ever. Treatment typically includes:

• Progressive loading protocols (e.g., isometric and eccentric exercises)

• Heavy slow resistance training to rebuild tendon capacity

• Biomechanical assessments to correct contributing movement patterns

• Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques as needed

• Activity modification and return-to-sport planning

A well-structured rehab program focused on load management and tendon remodeling is key to long-term success. Studies consistently show that graduated loading exercises are more effective than passive treatments or rest alone in treating patellar tendinopathy.

Get Back in the Game—Stronger

Don’t let knee pain sideline you. At Rock Solid Physical Therapy and Performance, we help athletes and active individuals overcome patellar tendinopathy with customized treatment plans based on the latest research and clinical best practices.

Schedule an evaluation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and improved performance.