Knee
Tendon pain below the kneecap responds to progressive loading.
Patellar tendinopathy usually causes pain below the kneecap during jumping, running or loaded knee movements. A structured loading programme helps rebuild tendon capacity and support a confident return to activity.
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Common symptoms
- Pain below the kneecap during jumping or landing
- Pain with squatting, lunging or running
- Stiffness in the tendon after rest that eases with warm-up
- Localised tenderness at the base of the kneecap
- Pain that worsens with increased training intensity
Common causes
- Sudden increase in jumping or running volume
- Insufficient quadriceps and calf strength
- Reduced ankle or hip mobility
- Return to sport after a period of rest
- Hard training surfaces
How Stance approaches patellar tendinopathy
We prescribe a precisely dosed loading programme based on your current tendon tolerance and activity demands. Treatment progressively rebuilds tendon capacity alongside addressing contributing strength and mobility deficits.
Relevant services
Pain & Injury Recovery
Assessment-led recovery for musculoskeletal pain, whether it is chronic, recurring or caused by a specific incident. We identify the root cause and build a targeted, progressive recovery plan.
Sports Injury & Return to Sport
Injury-to-sport rehabilitation for recreational and competitive athletes. We assess your readiness to return and help you become stronger and more resilient than before.
Frequently asked questions
Should I rest my patellar tendon?
Complete rest is rarely the best approach. A structured loading programme that respects your current tolerance is more effective for tendon recovery.
How long does patellar tendinopathy take to improve?
Most patients see meaningful improvement in 8-12 weeks. Full return to sport may take 3-6 months depending on demands.
Ready to find the root cause?
Our clinical team uses objective testing to build a personalised plan around your specific needs.
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