Patellar tendinitis, commonly called jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin bone.
Clinics commonly treat this condition in athletes who jump and change direction frequently, such as volleyball and basketball players, as well as in runners and weightlifters.
The tendon becomes irritated and, over time, can develop small tears from repeated loading without adequate recovery. For all of our services, click here.
Jumper’s knee develops from repetitive jumping, landing, or sudden increases in training intensity, particularly on hard playing surfaces.
Patients typically notice a sharp or aching pain directly below the kneecap that worsens with jumping, squatting, or kneeling, along with tenderness when pressing on the tendon and stiffness after periods of rest.
Patients whose pain is centered on the quadriceps or hamstring tendons rather than directly below the kneecap should review the Knee Tendonitis page, which covers those tendons in more detail.
Treatment centers on progressive tendon loading exercises, which have strong research support for rebuilding tendon strength and resilience.
Therapists also use manual therapy and soft tissue techniques to address tightness in the quadriceps and surrounding structures, along with activity modification to reduce the load on the tendon while it heals.
Tendons respond well to controlled, gradually increasing load, which is why rest alone often fails to resolve jumper’s knee and symptoms return once activity resumes.
A structured strengthening program addresses the underlying weakness and loading pattern that led to the injury, helping athletes return to jumping and cutting sports with a stronger, more resilient tendon.
Sessions are one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, not an aide or technician. Your therapist will explain what is happening in your knee in plain language, set realistic recovery goals, and give you a home program that keeps progress happening between visits. Whether your symptoms started yesterday or have been bothering you for years, a structured PT program can make a meaningful difference.
Many patients can begin treatment without a physician referral, depending on their insurance plan and condition. We can help verify your eligibility before your first visit.
We accept most major insurance plans and can help you understand your coverage, benefits, and any expected out-of-pocket costs before starting care.