Does post-operative rehabilitation treat patellar tendon rupture?

The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone and helps straighten the knee. After repair, the knee may be protected in a brace while movement is introduced in stages. Therapy can include gentle range-of-motion work, thigh-muscle activation, gait practice and later functional strengthening. The pace depends on the repair and your surgeon’s restrictions. Forcing knee flexion or loading the leg too early can strain healing tissue.

Wear the brace as instructed and follow the permitted knee angle and weight-bearing limits. Use crutches or another aid until your therapist confirms a safer progression. Complete the home exercises exactly as taught, keep the incision protected, and avoid kneeling, jumping or sudden turns until cleared. Attend reviews even if the knee feels better, because strength and control can lag behind pain relief.

Contact your surgical team for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, a new gap near the kneecap, or a sudden decline in knee control. Seek urgent care after a fall, a sharp pop with swelling, new severe calf pain, chest pain or difficult breathing.

Ask how far the knee may bend, when brace settings can change, how much weight you may place through the leg, and which signs suggest the repair needs review. Ask when driving, work tasks and stairs can be resumed safely.