Patellar Tendonitis Question

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi BBM team,

I had been battling some knee pain since last year. Nothing too crazy, but I noticed it felt stiffer. After a few consults with different physiotherapists. I had an MRI which showed no major tears except some OA that is occurring.

I re attended physio and they were saying that I have Patellar Tendonitis as well.

They have me doing lots of quad stretches and hamstring stretches as well, I guess to help reduce some tightness around the tendon.

I am confused though because they keep alluding to that fact that my quads are weak and they want me do these isometric contractions. “Like squeeze your quad for 10 seconds and hold” like some how that is going to make my quad stronger?

I am a pretty strong guy who has been squatting for years, so how is my quad weak? Like when I’m on the treatment table I have very visible quad muscle so i am not sure I have a tonne of trust in what they are saying.

Just curious if you could give me any general advice regarding this? And patellar tendonitis.

Thank you again for your time.

2

I agree that these sorts of typical explanations are usually not applicable in the context of well-trained lifters like yourself, and understand how that can lead to skepticism & a loss of trust in their treatment plan.

We have several resources that lay out how we would approach your situation.

General Pain in Training guide: Pain in Training: What To Do?

Guide to Tendinopathy: The Barbell Medicine Guide to Tendinopathy

Most common rehab mistakes: The 3 Biggest Mistakes You're Making with Lifting Rehab

If you are still having trouble, we also have a Knee Rehab Template, or you could obtain a consultation with our Pain & Rehab team, who would be happy to work with you and get things back on track.

1 Like
3

Thanks Austin. I appreciate the response and will give it some thought. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.