PT Works

Community Care Physicians

Physical Therapy

Patellar Tendinitis and Physical Therapy

July 2007

Offices are conveniently located in Clifton Park, Delmar, Latham, and Schodack.
Clifton Park: 1735 Route 9
Phone: 518.373.2042
Fax: 518.373.1293
Open M/W/F 7:00am-4:00pm
T/Th 10:00am-7:00pm		   Delmar: 250 Delaware Avenue
Phone: 518.439.2417
Fax: 518.439.1190
 Open M/W/F 7:30am-4:30pm
T/Th 9:00am-6:00pm
Latham: 711 Troy-Schenectady Road
Phone: 518.783.3110 x3199
Fax: 518.220.9506
Open M-Th 7:00am-8:00pm
Fridays 7:00am-4:00pm		   Schodack: 81 Miller Road
Phone: 518.213.0398
Fax: 518.479.0493
Open M/W/F 7:30am-4:30pm
T/Th 9:00am-6:00pm

 

 

 
Official Physical Therapists

  Patellar tendinitis usually occurs as a result of over-doing an activity and placing too much stress on the patellar tendon before it is strong enough to handle the stress. This overuse results in micro tears in the patellar tendon, leading to pain and inflammation.  Over time, damage to the patellar tendon can occur, and in extreme cases, the patellar tendon may become damaged to the point of complete rupture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Physical therapy in the treatment of patellar tendinitis is often beneficial and may include relative rest, icing, ultrasound, iontophoresis to reduce pain and inflammation, stretching, strengthening exercises, and/or the use of a patellar tendon strap.  Patellar tendinitis may be prevented by easing into running or jumping sports and by using good training techniques.  Off-season strengthening of the legs, particularly the quadriceps muscles, aids in its prevention.  Early referral to physical therapy can allow for earlier return to activities.

Patella tendon

Patella

Quadriceps

Return to Physical Therapy

  Patellar tendinitis is common in people involved in activities that include a lot of running, jumping, starting, and stopping.  Pain from patellar tendinitis is felt in the area just below the patella.  There may be swelling in and around the patellar tendon and it may be tender to touch.  The pain can be mild, but in some cases, may be so severe that one is prevented from participating in their sport.