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Patellar Tendinopathy Treatment in Cardiff

Hands On Thigh

What Is Patellar Tendinopathy?

Patellar tendinopathy, sometimes referred to as “jumper’s knee,” is a condition involving irritation and overload of the patellar tendon (the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone).

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The condition commonly affects people involved in running, jumping, gym training, and sports requiring repeated acceleration or change of direction. It can also develop gradually in active individuals following increases in activity or training load.

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At The Cardiff Chiropractors, we use a combination of Shockwave Therapy, progressive rehabilitation, and evidence-informed tendon loading strategies to help reduce pain, improve strength, and support long-term recovery.

Common Symptoms of Patellar Tendinopathy

Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:

  • Pain just below the kneecap

  • Pain during jumping or landing

  • Discomfort with squatting or stairs

  • Pain during running or sport

  • Stiffness after periods of rest

  • Tenderness over the patellar tendon

  • Reduced power or performance

  • Pain after training or activity

 

In the early stages, symptoms may ease once warmed up, but pain can become more persistent if tendon overload continues.

What Causes Patellar Tendinopathy?

Patellar tendinopathy is usually caused by repetitive overload of the tendon exceeding its ability to recover.

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Common contributing factors include:

  • Repetitive jumping or sprinting

  • Sudden increases in training volume

  • Gym or sports overload

  • Reduced lower limb strength

  • Poor landing mechanics

  • Reduced ankle or hip mobility

  • Inadequate recovery between sessions

  • Returning to sport too quickly after injury

 

Sports commonly associated with patellar tendinopathy include basketball, volleyball, football, athletics, CrossFit, and running-based activities.

How Can Shockwave Therapy Help?

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing within irritated tendon tissue.

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For patellar tendinopathy, Shockwave Therapy may help by:

  • Reducing persistent tendon pain

  • Stimulating tissue healing responses

  • Improving local blood flow

  • Reducing tendon sensitivity

  • Supporting tendon regeneration

  • Helping improve loading tolerance and function

 

Shockwave Therapy is typically most effective when combined with a structured rehabilitation programme.

Your assessment will include discussing your symptoms, training history, activity levels, and goals. We will assess lower limb strength, movement patterns, tendon loading tolerance, and overall knee function.

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Treatment may include:

  • Shockwave Therapy

  • Progressive tendon loading exercises

  • Quadriceps and lower limb strengthening

  • Mobility and flexibility work

  • Jumping and landing retraining

  • Hands-on therapy

  • Load management advice

  • Return-to-sport guidance

 

Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, sport, and stage of rehabilitation.

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