Jumper's knee, also known as patellar tendinopathy, is a common overuse injury that affects athletes and active individuals, particularly those involved in sports requiring repetitive jumping and sudden movements. At its core, jumper's knee results from stress and strain on the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone, often leading to inflammation, pain, and, if untreated, more significant complications. At Progressive Sports Medicine, we offer comprehensive treatment options to help individuals manage and overcome jumper’s knee, allowing them to return to an active lifestyle with reduced pain and improved function.
Key Treatments for Jumper’s Knee
Following a thorough medical evaluation, our team can recommend a tailored treatment plan that ensures the ongoing health of the patellar tendon and reduces the risk of reinjury. Here are the common treatments for jumper’s knee and how each contributes to effective recovery.
1. Exercise Therapy
The cornerstone of jumper's knee treatment, exercise therapy, focuses on strengthening the patellar tendon and promoting healing through structured movements. Known as mechanotherapy, this process involves a series of tendon-retraining exercises that progress from slow, controlled movements to heavier, fast-paced exercises. These exercises stimulate the tendon's recovery by encouraging collagen remodelling, which helps repair and strengthen the damaged tendon fibres. Exercise therapy also improves load tolerance, enabling the tendon to handle stress without triggering pain.
2. Movement Coaching
Movement coaching addresses the kinetic chain — the interconnected joints and muscles that work together to produce efficient movement. Poor movement patterns, especially in the hips and feet, can reduce load absorption during jumping or landing, overloading the knee and increasing the risk of tendon injury. By improving coordination and correcting inefficient movement patterns, movement coaching allows the entire body to support the knee effectively. At Progressive Sports Medicine, we focus on holistic movement retraining that considers the body as a whole, ensuring long-term improvements in mobility and strength that prevent reinjury.
3. Bracing and Taping
In some cases, stabilizing the patella through bracing or taping may be beneficial. Bracing provides support and keeps the patella in place during exercise, helping to alleviate pain and reduce strain on the tendon. Taping, on the other hand, adjusts the alignment of the kneecap, altering its movement pattern to decrease stress on the tendon. Both methods are useful for athletes who need to continue training while managing their injury, as they offer temporary pain relief and support the tendon as it heals.
4. Orthotics
Custom orthotics, or special shoe inserts, may be prescribed if foot alignment is contributing to knee pain. Orthotics help correct alignment issues that may lead to improper load distribution, thereby reducing stress on the knee. By supporting the foot and ensuring proper alignment, orthotics enable patients to perform exercises safely, further promoting tendon recovery.
5. Dry Needling
Dry needling is a technique where fine acupuncture needles are inserted into the affected area to stimulate a healing response in the tendon. This process encourages blood flow and release of healing factors around the injured tendon, accelerating tissue repair. Dry needling can be particularly effective for patients with chronic jumper's knee who have not responded to conventional therapies, as it can provide targeted pain relief while promoting cellular regeneration.
6. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
ESWT is a non-invasive procedure that involves sending electric impulses into the tissues surrounding the patella. These impulses create micro-traumas that may encourage tissue repair and disrupt pain signals, desensitizing the area. This makes it easier for patients to engage in exercise therapy without pain limitations, which is crucial for building strength in the affected tendon and achieving long-term relief from jumper’s knee.
7. Injection Therapies
In cases of advanced patellar tendinopathy, injection therapies may be considered. One of the most popular options is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets directly into the injured area. These platelets release growth factors that support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Other regenerative injections, such as prolotherapy, also work to stimulate the healing process and alleviate pain. However, cortisone injections are typically avoided, as they may impede tendon recovery despite offering temporary pain relief.
8. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
A more advanced regenerative treatment, PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood to concentrate platelets and growth factors, which are then injected into the injury site. PRP promotes collagen synthesis, reduces inflammation, and enhances the body's natural healing response. This therapy is particularly useful in cases of chronic jumper's knee, where traditional treatments have not been successful, as it encourages tissue regeneration and supports exercise therapy efforts.
The Importance of Holistic Treatment at Progressive Sports Medicine
At Progressive Sports Medicine, we believe in a multifaceted approach to jumper's knee treatment, combining the latest advancements in sports medicine with patient education and support. By offering customized treatments tailored to each patient’s needs, we can address the root causes of the injury while empowering individuals to take charge of their recovery. Our comprehensive approach focuses on long-term outcomes, ensuring that our patients can return to their active lives with the strength and resilience to avoid future injuries.
If you’re struggling with jumper's knee, the team at Progressive Sports Medicine is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized treatment options and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
