Patellar Tendonitis - Explanation and Ways to Help It.

Patellar Tendonitis (knee cap-inflammation of the tendon) is generally an overuse injury where the tendon, and muscles attaching to it get very tight, causing discomfort.

The muscle-tendon-ligament structure involved in this running injury, runs from the front of the hip, where it starts attached to the pelvis. It runs down the front of the leg (muscle name- rectus femoris), crossing the knee (patellar tendon) and attaching on the tibia (patellar ligament). It's much like a long road that changes names at major landmarks or intersections. :) It's all still the same structure, so if you have a high level of tension in the quad muscles, particularly the rectus femoris, it will transfer pressure through the tendon and ligament, compressing the knee cap(patella) to the bony structures below. Not pleasant.

As with many muscular and tendon issues, the discomfort from patellar tendonitis will usually improve by reducing the tension in the muscle, which will reduce the pressure on the surrounding structures. So, massage, stretching and icing is usually how we do that.

The massage approach techniques for patellar tendonitis will address surrounding muscles, beyond the quad. Working with the other hip flexors, the hamstrings, gluts and the lower leg muscles will allow for greater movement and release of tension throughout the leg. We have worked with several individuals with chronic knee pain, which was alleviated by this approach as well...since it takes the pressure from the connecting muscles off the joint.

The stretches we use address all these muscle groups as well. It is incredibly rare that one single muscle is strained without those surrounding it having some kind of pathological issue as well...so, just addressing the point of pain will rarely bring lasting relief.

Ice works to reduce inflammation, so if you are experiencing patellar tendonitis, ice can help to reduce the localized inflammation. However, if the muscles are still exerting pressure in the form of muscle tension on the tendon, the inflammation is not likely to go away without addressing the real issue.

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