Condition profile · Knee
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
Protocol from 4'060 CHF · ≈ 8 weeks
Understand
What is patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)?
Patellar tendinopathy is pain in the tendon just below the kneecap. It is also called jumper's knee: it mostly affects sports with repeated jumping and landing, such as basketball, volleyball, football and running.
It is often called tendinitis, but it is not a simple inflammation: it is an overloaded tendon that has not adapted to the load. Complete rest eases the pain without solving anything: progressive strengthening is what heals the tendon.
See a doctor promptly if…
- Sudden pain below the kneecap and you can no longer straighten your leg
- A hot, red, swollen knee, especially with a fever
Common causes
- Repeated overload of the patellar tendon: jumping, landing, direction changes (volleyball, basketball, athletics)
Symptoms
- Localized pain below the kneecap, initially during warm-up then when cold as it progresses
- Pain going up or down stairs
- Pain in the squat position
Timeline
How long does patellar tendinopathy last?
Tendons adapt slowly: progress is measured over weeks, not days. Pain may vary from one session to the next, which is normal.
- Recent tendinopathy, treated early
- 6 to 12 weeks
- Tendinopathy present for several months
- 3 to 6 months
- Jumping athlete returning to a high level
- 6 to 12 months
Diagnosis
Our approach
The first step is always a medical consultation. Complementing this: clinical assessment (palpation, loading tests). Ultrasound with Dr Massimo Donalisio to assess the degree of tendon involvement.
Care at Off-Field
- Physiotherapy (pain management, tissue work)
- Physical preparation (eccentric strengthening — the reference intervention in the literature — training load management)
- In coordination with Dr Massimo Donalisio when indicated: shockwaves first-line, PRP if shockwaves fail
Rehab
Physio treatment, step by step
- 01
Relieve pain with isometrics
Isometric exercises (holding a contraction without moving) that reduce pain, and adapted training rather than stopping completely.
- 02
Slow, heavy strengthening
Slow, loaded squats, leg press and leg extensions, 3 to 4 times a week: this is the core of the treatment.
- 03
Restore the spring
Faster work, then progressive jumps and landings, to give the tendon back its elastic capacity.
- 04
Back on the field
Sport-specific jumps reintroduced, next-day pain monitored and jump tests to validate the return.
Exercises
Exercises for patellar tendinopathy
Wall sit
Back against a wall, thighs at about 60°, hold for 30 to 45 seconds. 5 repetitions, several times a day while it is painful.
Slow squat
3 seconds down, 3 seconds up, with a load that makes the last repetitions hard. 4 sets of 6 to 8.
Decline squat
Heels raised on a sloped board, slow descent on two legs, then on one. 3 sets of 15.
Progressive jumps
Once heavy work is well tolerated: small jumps on the spot, then higher jumps and single-leg landings.
Examples to adapt with your physio after the assessment: pain during exercise should stay moderate and settle within 24 hours.
Return to sport
Returning to sport: when and how?
- Mild pain at most (3 out of 10) during exercise, back to normal the next day
- Symmetrical thigh strength, measured with a dynamometer
- Repeated jumps tolerated, with a height close to the other leg on a force plate
- Usual training volume rebuilt in stages
Investment
Base protocol price
From
4'060CHF
≈ 8 weeks
Indicative price that may vary with the number of protocol weeks. It will be adjusted after the clinical assessment by the physician and physiotherapist, based on the actual protocol duration and specific needs.
Mandatory prerequisite (not included)
Initial consultation with a partner physician (entry assessment): mandatory prerequisite, not included in the package. If needed, our team handles the referral and booking.
Included in the package
- Private physiotherapy sessions (2× 1h / week)
- One-on-one personal training (1× 1h / week)
- Initial + follow-up consultation with a partner nutritionist
- Case coordination: premium orchestration across all experts, direct booking of appointments once your schedule is shared
Extras not included. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI), orthobiologics (PRP, hyaluronic acid, SVF, BMAC), injections, shockwave therapy, biomarker panels: billed on top, only when clinically indicated by the responsible practitioner.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about patellar tendinopathy
Another question? We reply quickly on WhatsApp.
Message us on WhatsAppCan I keep playing sport with patellar tendinopathy?
Should I wear a knee brace or strap?
Does shockwave therapy work?
Ice or heat?
Same area
Other conditions treated: knee
The diagnosis drives the protocol. Here are the other situations we treat in this area.
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