Does physiotherapy treat patellar tendinitis?

Patellar tendinitis, also called jumper's knee, affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin. Repeated jumping, running or heavy knee loading can irritate it, causing pain at the front of the knee. A physiotherapist checks strength, flexibility, movement technique and training demands. Treatment may include temporary activity changes, education about pain, and exercises that progress from isometric muscle work to controlled strengthening. The aim is to make the tendon and surrounding muscles better able to handle daily and sporting loads.

Reduce or pause the activity that clearly increases pain, while keeping comfortable movement such as easy walking if advised. Follow the exercise dosage rather than adding extra repetitions when the knee feels better. Gradual loading matters: sudden return to sprinting, jumping or deep squats can flare symptoms. Supportive footwear and a review of training surfaces or technique may be useful. Read more about [Patellar Tendinitis](/conditions/patellar-tendinitis/) and [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Seek prompt medical care if pain began with a sudden pop, the knee rapidly swelled, you cannot straighten it, or you cannot bear weight. Arrange review if pain is worsening despite reduced loading, keeps returning, or interferes with sleep or ordinary walking. Sudden loss of strength may indicate a more serious tendon injury.

Ask which activities are safe now, how pain should guide exercise, and what progression should come before running or jumping. Clarify whether another knee problem could be contributing and how improvement will be checked.