Patellar Tendinitis Physical Therapy · Oceanside, CA
PATELLAR TENDINITIS
JUMP HIGHER.
HURT LESS.
HURT LESS.
That ache just below the kneecap after jumping, squatting, or running stairs. Patellar tendinitis — jumper's knee — is a load management problem. The tendon is being asked to do more than it can currently handle. We fix the tendon and fix why it got there.
Land & Sea PT
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Every session · 60 min
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Understanding the Condition
WHAT IS PATELLAR TENDINITIS?
The patellar tendon connects the kneecap (patella) to the tibia and is the primary force transmission structure for jumping, squatting, and running. When load exceeds the tendon's capacity — through training spikes, biomechanical load, or underlying weakness — the tendon degenerates and becomes painful. This is tendinopathy, not inflammation, which is why rest and anti-inflammatories alone don't fix it.
Reactive Tendinopathy: Acute spike in load — new sport, sudden training increase, return from rest. The tendon reacts but hasn't structurally changed yet. Most responsive to treatment.
Tendon Dysrepair: Ongoing overload without adequate recovery. The tendon has begun to structurally change. Requires a specific loading program to reverse.
Degenerative Tendinopathy: Long-standing changes within the tendon. Still very treatable with the right approach — but takes longer and requires more precision.
Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes: Volleyball, basketball, CrossFit, weightlifting — high-jump-volume sports. Often bilateral. Requires sport-specific load management alongside PT.
Treatment Approach
HOW WE TREAT IT
The research is clear: tendons heal through progressive loading — not rest. We use a specific evidence-based loading protocol (isometric → isotonic → energy storage) that stimulates tendon remodeling while managing pain.
01
Pain Control & Isometric Loading
Isometric quad contractions provide immediate pain relief and begin tendon loading without provocative movement. Manual therapy to restore knee and hip mobility.
02
Isotonic Loading Program
Heavy slow resistance training — the most evidence-supported intervention for tendinopathy. Progressive loading that drives tendon remodeling over 8–12 weeks.
03
Energy Storage & Return to Sport
Plyometric progression, sport-specific loading, and the jump mechanics work that ensures the tendon can handle full athletic demands.
Typical Timeline8–12 weeks for most cases. Chronic cases: 12–16 weeks.
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Also Consider
STEMWAVE SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
StemWave is one of the most evidence-supported treatments for patellar tendinopathy. For athletes who need faster results or chronic cases that haven't responded, combining StemWave with our loading protocol produces significantly better outcomes.
Learn About StemWave →Ready to Get Started?
LET'S SEE IF
WE CAN HELP.
WE CAN HELP.
Submit a request and we'll call you to hear your situation. We'll give you an honest answer about whether we think we can help — before you ever step in the door.
📍 821 S Tremont St, Oceanside, CA · (760) 542-6666