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Jumper’s Knee Physiotherapy in Richmond
See below how Richmond Physiotherapist can help you
Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendinopathy): Causes, Symptoms, and Rehabilitation
Jumper’s knee, also known as patellar tendinopathy, is a condition that affects the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone.
It is commonly seen in athletes who perform repetitive jumping, running, or explosive movements such as volleyball, basketball, and gym training.
This condition develops over time due to repeated stress on the tendon, leading to pain, reduced performance, and difficulty with activity.
At Richmond Physiotherapist, we provide physiotherapy treatment for jumper’s knee in Richmond focused on reducing tendon irritation, improving strength, and safely returning you to sport.
What Causes Jumper’s Knee?
Jumper’s knee is caused by repeated loading of the patellar tendon without adequate recovery.
Common causes include:
• repetitive jumping and landing
• sudden increase in training load
• poor landing mechanics
• muscle imbalances (weak glutes or quads)
• tight quadriceps or calf muscles
• overtraining without proper recovery
These factors place excessive stress on the tendon, leading to irritation and degeneration.
Symptoms of Jumper’s Knee
Symptoms typically occur at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap.
Common symptoms include:
• pain below the kneecap
• pain during or after jumping
• discomfort with squatting or lunging
• stiffness at the start of activity
• tenderness over the patellar tendon
• reduced performance during sport
Pain may initially improve with warm-up but worsen after activity.
How Physiotherapy Helps Jumper’s Knee
Physiotherapy focuses on progressive tendon loading and correcting contributing factors.
During your physiotherapy assessment at Richmond Physiotherapist, we evaluate:
• tendon irritation and pain level
• strength of quads, glutes, and calves
• jumping and landing mechanics
• training load and activity levels
• movement patterns
This helps guide a structured and progressive rehab plan.
Stages of Jumper’s Knee Rehab
Recovery is typically structured in phases:
Pain Management Phase
• reduce tendon irritation
• modify activity and load
• introduce isometric exercises
Strength Phase
• progressive loading of the tendon
• improve muscle strength
Energy Storage Phase
• introduce jumping and dynamic movements
• improve tendon tolerance
Return to Sport
• gradual return to sport-specific loading
• ensure tendon can tolerate high demands
Physiotherapy Treatments for Jumper’s Knee
Treatment may include:
Exercise Rehabilitation
Progressive tendon loading and strengthening exercises.
Isometric Loading
To reduce pain and improve tendon tolerance early on.
Manual Therapy
To address surrounding muscle tightness.
Shockwave Therapy
For chronic tendon pain.
Load Management
Adjusting training intensity and volume.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should consider physiotherapy if:
• knee pain persists during jumping or activity
• pain worsens with training
• performance is affected
• symptoms are not improving with rest
• you want to prevent worsening of the condition
Early treatment helps prevent chronic tendon issues.
Book Jumper’s Knee Physiotherapy in Richmond
If you are dealing with patellar tendon pain or jumper’s knee, physiotherapy can help guide your recovery.
You can also learn more about sports injury physiotherapy in Richmond and how structured rehab supports recovery and performance.
Book your physiotherapy appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I completely rest my jumper’s knee or keep training?
Complete rest is one of the worst things for tendinopathy. Tendons need load to remodel and get stronger. What you need is the right kind of load, not zero load. We usually cut the jumping and explosive stuff temporarily but keep you doing heavy slow resistance work, which is what actually heals the tendon.
How long does patellar tendinopathy take to get better?
Longer than most people want to hear. Three to six months of consistent loading work is typical for real resolution. Tendons adapt slowly. The people who try to rush it end up in a cycle of feeling better, jumping back in too hard, and flaring up again. Slow and steady actually gets you there faster.
Can I still play volleyball or basketball while rehabbing jumper’s knee?
Usually we dial it back but don’t shut it down completely. That might mean practicing but skipping games, or playing with reduced jumping volume. Going cold turkey then jumping straight back in is worse than maintaining some controlled load. We find the level your tendon tolerates and build from there.
What’s the deal with eccentric exercises for jumper’s knee?
Eccentric decline squats were the gold standard for years, and they do work. But the current thinking is broader. Heavy slow resistance training, isometrics for pain relief, and progressive tendon loading all have a place. It’s not about one magic exercise. It’s about a structured loading program that matches where your tendon is at.
Book an appointment
Your recovery starts with one visit.
Every session is 1-on-1, built around your body and your goals. We bill your insurance directly, so you can focus on getting better.