Patellar tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy — often called jumper's knee — is pain in the tendon just below the kneecap, common in sports involving jumping, sprinting, and quick direction changes. It usually develops from overload and can linger if the tendon isn't loaded correctly during recovery.

The best evidence supports progressive strengthening — including isometric and heavy slow resistance exercises — to rebuild the tendon's capacity. In this guide we cover assessment and evidence-based loading protocols for patellar tendinopathy — practical, staged guidance for clinicians and clear explanations so athletes and patients understand why steady, structured loading, rather than rest alone, is the route back to pain-free performance.