Patellar Tendinopathy (PT) (Jumper’s Knee) is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the section of the patellar tendon between your kneecap (patella) and the area where the tendon attaches to your shinbone (tibia). During physical activity, PT often causes a sharp pain directly below your kneecap — especially when running or jumping. After a workout or practice, this pain may persist as a dull ache. Overused or inflexible quadriceps muscles or a lack of mobility in the hip/ankle joint(s) may put you at a greater risk for developing PT. These muscular imbalances can put abnormal stress on the patellar tendon leading to inflammation and pain.
To treat PT, manual therapies may include one, or a combination of, the following:
ART (Active Release Technique) to break up scar tissue adhesions
IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Trigger Point Dry Needling (depending on situation)
Chiropractic Manipulation/Mobilization to improve alignment and joint mobility