The patellar tendon, also known as the knee cap tendon, is responsible for connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. This tendon plays an essential role in activities that require us to jump or run such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball. However, overuse of the tendon can cause significant pain and discomfort, leading to a condition known as patellar tendon strain. Fortunately, there are ways to treat and manage this condition. In this post, we will discuss how physiotherapists and chiropractors can help you recover from patellar tendon strain.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways of treating patellar tendon strain. A physiotherapist will first assess your situation by examining your knee’s range of motion and strength and then develop a customized exercise program that targets specific muscle groups surrounding the knee joint. The exercises may include stretches, strengthening exercises, ice application, ultrasound therapy or shockwave therapy.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is another effective treatment option for patellar tendon strain. The chiropractor will examine your knee joint and surrounding muscles to identify any misalignments that may be causing pain or discomfort in your knee region. After diagnosis, they’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that could involve soft tissue massage techniques like Active Release Technique® (ART) and Kinesiology taping among others.
Rest
Resting is one of the most crucial things for treating patellar tendonitis since it helps reduce inflammation while also preventing further injuries from occurring. This means avoiding activities that place excessive stress on your knees such as running or jumping until you feel better.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays a critical role in injury recovery because it helps promote tissue growth while reducing inflammation throughout the body; therefore ensuring proper nutrient intake is very important. Foods rich in protein, antioxidants, and Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for tendon repair.
Lifestyle Changes
To prevent future patellar tendon strain injuries or recurrence, making lifestyle changes is necessary. These changes may include wearing proper shoes when exercising or playing sports, using proper equipment to protect your knees, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active with low-impact exercises such as cycling or swimming.
In conclusion, patellar tendon strain can be a painful condition that affects the knee joint’s range of motion. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help manage this condition effectively. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care are two of the most effective ways of treating patellar tendonitis; however, rest, nutrition and lifestyle changes can also play a crucial role in recovery. If you’re experiencing any symptoms related to patellar tendonitis, consult your doctor immediately to determine the best treatment option for you.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
