What to expect from physiotherapy for patellar tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin. Pain often changes with jumping, running, squatting, stairs, or prolonged knee loading. Your physiotherapist may examine tenderness, strength, flexibility, landing mechanics, training demands, and how symptoms behave during and after activity.

Treatment is usually built around managing the tendon’s workload rather than complete rest. The therapist may suggest temporary changes to jumping volume, surfaces, footwear, or recovery between sessions while keeping suitable movement in your routine.

Exercises can progress from static quadriceps work to slow strengthening and then faster, spring-like or sport-specific tasks when your symptoms and control allow. Follow the prescribed tempo and effort; tendon rehabilitation depends on consistent, gradual loading. Tell your therapist about pain that escalates during exercise, morning stiffness that is worsening, or soreness that does not settle as expected. These clues guide the next adjustment.

Seek prompt assessment after a sudden snap, immediate loss of strength, a new gap or marked swelling below the kneecap, or inability to straighten the knee. A hot swollen joint with fever needs urgent medical attention. If symptoms continue to worsen despite following the programme, ask for a clinical review rather than increasing training on your own.

Which activities should I pause or reduce? How should I judge acceptable soreness? When can I restart jumping? Could another knee problem be contributing to my symptoms?