Patellar Tendinopathy Treatment in Preston | Jumper's Knee Specialist
Does This Sound Like You?
Pain at the bottom of your kneecap — right where the tendon attaches. It is worst during or after jumping, running, squatting, or going down stairs. You have reduced your training, tried rest, tried stretching — and the pain returns as soon as you increase your activity again.
Patellar tendinopathy, commonly called jumper's knee, affects runners, footballers, basketball players, and anyone who performs repetitive lower limb loading. It is one of the most persistent tendon conditions — and one of the most effectively treated with the right programme.
Understanding Patellar Tendinopathy
The patellar tendon connects the quadriceps muscle group to the tibia via the patella. Under repetitive high load or sudden spikes in training, the tendon undergoes structural changes and becomes sensitised — a process called tendinopathy. Unlike an acute injury, tendinopathy does not resolve with rest alone. The tendon needs progressive loading to regain its capacity.
The clinical evidence base is clear: heavy slow resistance training and progressive tendon loading programmes, guided by a specialist physiotherapist, produce the best long-term outcomes. This is the foundation of the Denovo approach.
Why Rest Makes It Worse Long Term
This is the most important thing to understand about patellar tendinopathy. Rest reduces pain temporarily — but it also reduces the tendon's load tolerance. When you return to training, the tendon is less capable than before, and symptoms return quickly. This cycle continues until the tendon is progressively and deliberately loaded back to full capacity.
Many patients who attend Denovo have been through this cycle multiple times. The answer is not more rest — it is the right loading programme, progressed at the right rate, with the right monitoring.
How Denovo Assesses and Treats Patellar Tendinopathy
Your assessment includes a thorough clinical examination of the knee, patella, tendon, and contributing factors including hip strength, foot mechanics, and training load history. We use validated outcome measures at each appointment to track your progress objectively.
- Clinical assessment to confirm diagnosis and stage severity
- Phase 1: Isometric quad loading — evidence-based pain reduction without aggravation
- Phase 2: Heavy slow resistance training — the most robustly evidenced tendon loading approach
- Phase 3: Energy storage and release exercises — return to running, jumping, sport
- Training load management — structured return to sport with clear criteria
- Hip and gluteal strengthening where deficits are identified
- Footwear and training surface advice where relevant
Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendinopathy
For patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy — particularly where symptoms have persisted beyond 3 months despite appropriate loading — shockwave therapy is a clinically supported adjunct treatment.
Shockwave delivers focused acoustic energy to the tendon, promoting neovascularisation, stimulating collagen synthesis, and reducing the sensitivity of pain nerve fibres.
At Denovo, shockwave is always prescribed by a qualified clinician and integrated into your overall rehabilitation — never offered as a standalone treatment without clinical context.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases yes — with modification. Jumping and high-impact activities are adjusted early and progressed over time.
Most patients improve within 8–12 weeks. Full return to sport typically takes 12–16 weeks.
No. They are different conditions and require different treatment approaches.
Ready to Get Started?
Initial Assessment + First Treatment Session — £50
Your first appointment includes a full specialist assessment and your first treatment session.
No GP referral needed. Insurance recognised. Call 01772 288065 or book online.
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