Réhabital
Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee) Treatment
A sharp, pinpoint pain just below the kneecap that shows up on stairs, in a deep squat or the day after a jumping session usually points to patellar tendinopathy. At Rehabital clinic in Cote Saint Luc we treat it with structured load progression rather than rest, which weakens the tendon over time.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shin bone and transmits every bit of force the quadriceps produces. When load repeatedly exceeds the tendon's recovery capacity, its structure becomes disorganised: collagen fibres lose alignment, local blood vessels change and the tendon hurts under tension. Modern practice calls this tendinopathy rather than tendinitis because classic inflammation is only a small part of the picture. That distinction matters: anti-inflammatories mask the pain but do not rebuild capacity, while progressive loading stimulates collagen synthesis and restores tolerance to effort. Jumping sports (basketball, volleyball, running, CrossFit) and jobs involving frequent squatting are the most common settings.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Rapid increase in training volume
A sudden jump in jumping reps, running distance or gym load outpaces the tendon’s ability to adapt.
Quadriceps and glute weakness
A low-endurance quadriceps shifts more strain onto the tendon with every landing.
Poor landing mechanics
A knee that collapses inward or a stiff-legged landing concentrates load on the patellar tendon.
Stiff posterior chain
Tight hamstrings and calves reduce shock absorption and increase knee loading.
Our Treatment Approach
Physiotherapy assessment confirms the diagnosis through palpation, load tests (decline squat, single-leg hop) and movement analysis. Treatment starts with quadriceps isometrics, which reduce pain within minutes and keep you active. We then progress to heavy slow resistance, and finally to jumping and change of direction. Osteopathic manual therapy frees the hip, ankle and lateral fascia to redistribute load, and sports massage lowers quadriceps tension between sessions. Acupuncture can help modulate pain in the early weeks.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit takes about 60 minutes: history, load testing and a home exercise plan. Tendons respond slowly — most people see clear improvement in six to twelve weeks with follow-ups every one to two weeks to adjust load.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Do the prescribed isometrics (for example 5 x 45 seconds) on painful days.
- Temporarily reduce jumping without stopping all activity.
- Use pain as a guide: 3/10 or less during exercise, back to baseline within 24 hours.
- Train glutes and calves, not only the quadriceps.
- Avoid prolonged deep squatting during the acute phase.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
With a well-managed loading program most people return to sport within three to four months. Very chronic cases take longer, but progress remains possible at almost any stage.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if pain lasts more than two weeks or limits training. Sudden pain with inability to straighten the knee needs immediate medical assessment.
Why Réhabital Clinic
Our physiotherapists and osteopaths work along the whole chain — hip, knee, ankle — instead of treating only the painful spot, which lowers recurrence.
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Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
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Why Choose Réhabital?
Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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