How Does Physiotherapy Help Patellar Tendonitis?
There are a number of different causes of anterior knee pain. Patellar tendinopathy is just of the potential conditions. The correct diagnosis is vital since treatment can significantly vary.
Luckily, your PhysioWorks physiotherapist is a highly skilled professional who can quickly assess and diagnose your knee injury. Once confirmed, they will ensure the correct injury management and rehabilitation to get you back to sport in the quickest time possible.
Common Patellar Tendonitis Treatment
In the early phase, your physiotherapist with address the pain and inflammation using electrotherapy modalities, cryotherapy (ice) and taping techniques or de-loading braces. Relative rest is advised from aggravating activity in the early stages. Your body is the best guide to know how much to rest the injured knee. If an activity hurts the knee then you should avoid doing it.
Complete rest is not usually necessary. If this is the case, your physiotherapist can suggest some alternative exercise ideas which are low to no impact. This will allow you to maintain your cardiovascular fitness and maintain muscle strength without causing pain in your knee.
Stretching can also be started early in your rehab under instruction from your physiotherapist to help with lower body flexibility. Even once your symptoms resolve you should incorporate a stretching program into your training to prevent re-occurrence.
Stretchbands are a fun and easy way to stretch and maintain your flexibility. They are available from our online store in three sizes. More info: Stretchband
As pain allows, your physiotherapist will start and progress you on a specific strengthening program designed to improve the strength of your quadriceps and the patella tendon to allow them to cope with the loads involved with your sport. Tendinopathies respond best to an eccentric based program.