Patellar TendinitisJumper's Knee Treatment & Recovery

Load‑related knee tendon pain—learn symptoms, causes and how physiotherapy restores tolerance.

What is patellar tendinitis and how does physiotherapy help?

Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee) is irritation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin. Pain is typically at the inferior pole of the patella, worse with jumping, squatting or stairs.

Physiotherapy focuses on education, load management and progressive strengthening (isometrics → heavy‑slow resistance). Many improve over 6–12+ weeks with staged progressions.

Your plan balances symptom relief with tendon loading so capacity builds without flares. Technique cues and broader lower‑limb strength support efficient force transfer and reduced knee dominance.

Typical recovery timeline

  • 0–2 weeks: pain relief isometrics, reduce spikes
  • 3–6 weeks: heavy‑slow resistance, tempo work
  • 6–12+ weeks: plyometrics and return‑to‑sport

Irritability scale for training

  • Mild: pain ≤3/10 during/after, settles within 24h → progress
  • Moderate: pain 4–5/10 or next‑day stiffness → maintain
  • High: pain ≥6/10 or swelling/limp → deload and adjust

Understanding jumper's knee

Common drivers

  • Load spikes in jumping, hills or gym work
  • Technique (knee‑dominant strategy)
  • Reduced capacity after time off or injury

Imaging considerations

Ultrasound/MRI may show tendon changes, which should be interpreted alongside symptoms and function.

Imaging abnormalities are common in pain‑free athletes; clinical presentation and load response guide care more than scan appearance.

Common contributing factors

Jumping sports

Basketball, volleyball, athletics.

Load spikes

Rapid increases in training volume.

Technique

Knee‑dominant squat/jump patterns.

De‑conditioning

Reduced tolerance after time off.

What are the symptoms?

Primary symptoms

  • Anterior knee pain at the inferior patella
  • Worse with load squats, stairs, jumping
  • Morning stiffness or after sitting
  • Local tenderness to touch on the tendon

Functional limitations

  • Squats, lunges and stairs
  • Running, jumping and change of direction
  • Return to sport readiness

Related symptoms: Knee pain, Muscle stiffness, Reduced range of motion

How can physiotherapy help?

Care focuses on education, load management and progressive strengthening to restore tendon tolerance and function.

Isometric exercises can quickly reduce pain; heavy‑slow resistance builds long‑term capacity. We progress to plyometrics and sport‑specific drills once baseline strength and landing mechanics are ready.

Core components

  • Education, pacing and flare strategies
  • Isometrics → heavy‑slow resistance (HSR)
  • Technique cues and kinetic‑chain strength
  • Plyometrics and return‑to‑sport criteria

Effective treatments

Manual therapy

As adjunct for symptom relief.

Exercise therapy

HSR, kinetic‑chain and plyometric progressions.

Education

Load management and technique.

Lifestyle

Training volume and surfaces.

What happens in a physiotherapy session?

Assessment reviews irritability, load tolerance, technique and kinetic‑chain strength. Plan is staged and objective.

  • Subjective: training load, goals, flares
  • Testing: pain‑provocation, strength, single‑leg tasks
  • Education: load plan, flare strategy, technique cues
  • Plan: HSR → plyometrics → sport‑specific
  • Milestones: pain ≤3/10 with tasks, next‑day symptoms minimal

Can you manage patellar tendinitis at home?

Yes—most improve with load management and a progressive strengthening plan.

Weekly progression example

  • Week 1–2: isometrics, reduce spikes
  • Week 3–4: HSR (2–3x/week), technique cues
  • Week 5+: add plyometrics and sport‑specific drills
  • Criteria: soreness settles within 24 hours and function is improving

When should you seek help?

Urgent assessment

  • Acute trauma with severe swelling or locking
  • Concern for other knee injuries

Consult a physiotherapist if

  • Pain persists beyond 6–8 weeks
  • Load tolerance is not improving
  • Confidence in activity is limited

Accessing care in the UK

Access physiotherapy via GP referral on the NHS, or directly through private clinics. Insurance or employer plans may help with costs.

FAQs

Do I need a scan?

Not usually. Imaging can support diagnosis when recovery does not follow the expected course.

Can I keep training?

Yes—modify volume and intensity. Your physiotherapist will guide a staged plan.

How many sessions will I need?

Often 6–12+ sessions over several weeks, adjusted to goals and progress.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.