Burwood NSW · Patellar Tendinopathy Treatment
Patellar tendinopathy — known as “jumper’s knee” — causes pain at the front of the knee just below the kneecap. It is common in basketball, volleyball, and running athletes, and responds very well to a structured loading program.
The patellar tendon transmits enormous forces from the quadriceps to the tibia during jumping and running. When the tendon is overloaded, it undergoes structural changes that cause chronic pain. Our approach rehabilitates the tendon through progressive loading.
How We Treat This Condition
Evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific presentation and goals.
Tendon Assessment
VISA-P questionnaire, palpation, single-leg squat analysis, and landing mechanics assessment to grade severity and guide treatment.
Learn more →Isometric Loading
Heavy isometric quadriceps exercises immediately reduce patellar tendon pain and provide safe early loading for the degenerative tendon.
Learn more →Progressive Tendon Loading
Isotonic then heavy slow resistance training progressively rebuilds the tendon’s capacity to handle the demands of your sport.
Learn more →Shockwave Therapy
For chronic or mid-portion patellar tendinopathy, shockwave significantly accelerates tendon healing when combined with loading exercises.
Learn more →Return to Sport
Plyometric and sport-specific loading phases with criteria-based progression to ensure the tendon is fully ready for competition.
Learn more →Load Management
Training volume and intensity monitoring to prevent future overload — the most common cause of tendinopathy flares.
Learn more →When to See a Physio for Patellar Tendinopathy
See a physiotherapist if you notice pain just below the kneecap that worsens with jumping, squatting, or after sitting for long periods, particularly if it’s affecting training or sport and hasn’t settled with reduced load.
What Happens at Your First Appointment?
Full Assessment
Detailed history, movement analysis and clinical tests to identify the root cause of your problem.
Diagnosis & Plan
We explain exactly what is going on and create a realistic, goal-focused treatment timeline.
Hands-On Treatment
Most patients receive treatment in their first session — manual therapy, needling, or exercise prescription.
Home Program
You leave with clear exercises and self-management strategies to accelerate your recovery.
Why Choose Burwood Physio?
- AHPRA-registered physiotherapists
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
- HICAPS on-site — claim health fund rebate instantly
- Medicare bulk billing with GP CDM plan
- NDIS registered provider
- WorkCover and icare accepted
- Evidence-based treatment — no unnecessary sessions
- 2 minutes walk from Burwood Station
📍 Located in Burwood: Shop 2, 36–38 Victoria St East, Burwood NSW 2134. 2 min from Burwood Station. Open Mon–Sat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is patellar tendinopathy?
It is a chronic overuse condition affecting the patellar tendon, caused by repetitive loading that exceeds the tendon’s capacity to recover.
Does rest fix patellar tendinopathy?
No. Complete rest does not cure tendinopathy and actually weakens the tendon further. Progressive loading is the gold-standard treatment.
How long does it take to recover from patellar tendinopathy?
Depending on severity and duration, recovery takes 3–6 months with a structured loading program.
Is shockwave therapy helpful for patellar tendinopathy?
Yes. Shockwave therapy in combination with loading exercises significantly reduces pain and improves tendon structure.
Can I continue to play sport with patellar tendinopathy?
Continuing to play through pain is not advised — it drives further tendon degeneration. Load management is essential.
What causes patellar tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy, often called jumper’s knee, develops from repetitive jumping and landing loads that exceed the tendon’s capacity to adapt, common in sports like basketball, volleyball, and running.
What does patellar tendinopathy treatment involve at Burwood Physio?
Treatment follows a progressive loading program, typically starting with isometric exercises to reduce pain, then building strength through targeted eccentric and heavy slow resistance training.
Why does patellar tendinopathy keep coming back?
Recurrence usually happens when training load increases too quickly after symptoms settle, or when underlying strength deficits in the quadriceps and hip are not fully addressed during rehabilitation.
Is patellar tendinopathy related to knee pain in general?
Yes — it is one of several specific causes of anterior knee pain, alongside patellofemoral pain and other conditions. Accurate diagnosis is important because treatment approaches differ.
Can young athletes get patellar tendinopathy?
Yes, particularly adolescents in jumping sports during growth spurts, though in younger patients Osgood-Schlatter disease should also be considered and assessed by a physiotherapist experienced with youth athletes.
Stubborn knee tendon pain?
Loading programs — not rest — are the answer. Book today.