© Copyright khedmeh Wall
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.