Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
Patellar tendinopathy - jumper's knee - is pain in the tendon just below the kneecap, common in sports involving jumping, landing and changes of direction such as basketball, volleyball, running and football. Like other tendinopathies it is an overload problem: pain that is often worse at the start of activity, on stairs, or when squatting and jumping.
Because tendons adapt to load, the core of treatment is a graded strengthening programme built around your symptoms and sport, combined with sensible management of training. Melissa assesses the knee and contributing factors, then progresses you from settling the pain through to the strength and power the tendon needs for your sport.
Common questions
What is the best treatment for jumper's knee?
The best-supported treatment is progressive tendon loading - a structured strengthening programme that gradually rebuilds the tendon's capacity - rather than rest, injections or passive treatment alone. This is tailored to how irritable the tendon is and to the demands of your sport, and paired with guidance on managing training load. Hands-on treatment can help symptoms, but the strengthening work is what changes the tendon.
Can I train while I have patellar tendinopathy?
Usually yes, in a modified way. Training is often continued at a level the tendon tolerates while the strengthening programme progresses; the aim is to manage load, not stop entirely. Painful, high-load activities like heavy jumping may be reduced for a time. Specific guidance depends on your symptoms and stage.