Doctors,
It appears I’ve developed patellar tendonitis (left knee).
Basic: Age: 21. Program: 12W Strength. Prior Injuries: None. Best Lifts (S/B/D): 450/320/515.
Recap: The mild pain came on suddenly two weeks ago after doing the 8-rep no belt volume squats. Last week, I managed to get through my competition squat and skipped my volume squats with the thought that I’d be able to rest up and absolve myself of the issue. This week, the pain has gotten slightly worse. I hit my 445 @ 9 competition squat without issue. The back-off volume caused some minor pain but not enough to force me to change my technique or stop altogether. I threw on my sleeves for the 2ct pause squats today and, although the pain was mild while squatting, it got worse once I took the sleeves off and started benching.
Now: There is mild pain when walking up/down stairs and when squatting. Deadlifting has been fine save for when I hit a specific spot right at the top of my shin bone - the pain is briefly amplified when this happens. This is my second time through 12W strength and I’m now midway through week 9 (of 13). I’d like to finish and hit some new prs but I am concerned about potentially tearing a tendon or doing something that would require significant treatment.
Questions:
(1) Based on this information, does it sound like I have patellar tendonitis?
(2) Should I switch to the 16 Week Knee Rehab template or finish up 12W strength?
(3) If I should start the 16 Week Knee Rehab template immediately, would you recommend finishing up 12W strength for deadlift & bench?
*I’ve also read the following article on the issue: https://www.strongerbyscience.com/sq…-tendinopathy/.
Sincerely,
Tom