As basketball season hits its stride, so does the grind on the court. The grueling schedule of games and practice brings with it a spike in common pains, particularly Jumper’s Knee, or patellar tendinopathy, that if left unattended to, can dampen both the performance and spirit of the athlete. Understanding the nuances of this common ailment and taking proactive measures is crucial for players and their parents alike. This blog post aims to shed light on the path to recovery and why consulting a physical therapist first can be the difference between playing for the chip or sitting on the bench.
What Exactly is Patella Tendinopathy or Jumper’s Knee
Patellar tendinopathy, a common yet challenging condition, is marked by minutely small tears (microtears) to the tendon fibers, which over time, can lead to degeneration and in some instances partial tears. This condition is progressive, and a direct consequence of the repetitive, explosive movements athletes make during basketball games and practices and usually starts as a small pain in the front of the knee, right on the very top of the shin bone (See pic).
Why Do Basketball Players get Jumper’s Knee?
The dynamics of basketball – jumping, sprinting, and sudden directional changes – place immense strain on the knees, particularly the patellar tendon. Over time, this repetitive stress can evolve into patellar tendinopathy (chronic inflammation), especially if early symptoms are ignored. Since the pain often comes and goes, it is common for athletes to play through the pain, exacerbating the condition and setting the stage for more severe injuries, throughout the course of her career and even season such as partial tendon or even ACL tears.
What To Do If You Think You Have Jumper’s Knee?
You need a sports rehab physical therapist now! Reducing or modifying activities to alleviate the stress on the knee is not enough. Since the problem stems from the simple fact that the quad muscles are producing more force than the tendon can handle, physical therapy, first focused on patient education and de-loading of the patella tendon, followed by simple and gradual tendon loading activities, including eccentric quad strengthening and functional training, in order to integrate back into practice and then gameplay.
When you choose ProMet PT first, you will save time, money, and quite possibly, the success of your season. Don’t leave your knee pain unattended to. You need the official PT providers for numerous local basketball programs, including the #1 ranked Christ the King Royals, who will address the root cause of your condition, help you avoid unnecessary doctors’ visits, testing, and lost playing time, and that have experience working with some of the best basketball players in NYC. ProMet PT provides tailored treatment plans aligned with specific basketball goals and understands the biomechanics and demands of basketball, providing targeted therapy to get players back in the game.
As the basketball season progresses, don’t let Jumper’s Knee sideline you. Recognizing the symptoms early and opting for expert care at one of the three ProMet PT locations in Queens and Long Island can make all the difference. By understanding the condition and taking a proactive approach to treatment, players can not only manage their pain but also enhance their performance and longevity in the sport they love. So, make a smart play—choose Promet PT for managing knee pain and jump back into the game with confidence and strength!
Contact Promet PT Today!
Start your journey to recovery and keep your basketball dreams alive by scheduling an appointment with ProMet PT today. Don’t wait until the final buzzer—act now, call (718) 554-6610 or visit www.prometpt.com/request-an-appointment/ and get ahead of the pain!
