Book An Appointment

Patellar Tendinosis

Combined Shape@2xCreated with Sketch. Book an appointment
Condition

Understanding Patellar Tendinosis

Patellar tendinosis is a common cause of pain at the front of the knee, typically felt just below the kneecap. It is most often associated with jumping, running, squatting, or repeated knee loading, and is frequently seen in active individuals and athletes.

The condition develops when the patellar tendon is repeatedly overloaded, leading to degenerative changes within the tendon rather than acute inflammation. Symptoms often come on gradually and may persist for months if not managed appropriately. At Northern Medical, patellar tendinosis is assessed and treated as a load-related tendon condition, with management tailored to symptom duration, functional limitation, and response to previous treatment.
Combined Shape@2xCreated with Sketch. Book an appointment
Patellar Tendinosis 1

What causes patellar tendinosis?

Patellar tendinosis is caused by repetitive mechanical loading of the tendon that exceeds its ability to adapt. Contributing factors include sudden increases in training intensity or volume, reduced quadriceps strength, poor load tolerance, altered lower-limb biomechanics, and inadequate recovery between activities.

It is particularly common in sports involving jumping or rapid changes in direction but can also affect non-athletes with repetitive knee loading. Pain is often worse during or after activity and may initially settle with rest, only to return when loading resumes. Identifying and modifying these factors is key to effective management.

How is patellar tendinosis diagnosed?

Patellar tendinosis is primarily diagnosed clinically based on symptoms and physical examination. Pain is usually localised to the patellar tendon, most commonly at its attachment to the lower pole of the patella, and is reproduced with loading activities such as squatting or jumping.

Imaging is not always required but may be used in persistent or atypical cases. Ultrasound or MRI can assess tendon structure and help exclude other causes of anterior knee pain. Imaging may also assist in guiding treatment decisions when symptoms have not responded to standard care.

Shockwave therapy for patellar tendinosis

Focused shockwave therapy may be considered for chronic patellar tendinosis that has not improved with rehabilitation alone. It works by delivering targeted acoustic energy to the tendon, stimulating biological healing processes and reducing pain over time.


Shockwave therapy is delivered in clinic and does not require injections or anaesthetic. It is typically provided as a short course of treatment and is most effective when combined with a structured progressive loading programme. Evidence supports its use in selected cases of chronic patellar tendinosis.

Injection therapy and other treatment options

Injection therapy may be discussed for selected patients with persistent symptoms, particularly where pain is limiting rehabilitation. Different injection options may be considered during consultation, depending on individual clinical factors.


Injection treatments are not offered routinely and are considered alongside other evidence-based options, including shockwave therapy and structured rehabilitation. The aim is to reduce pain sufficiently to allow effective loading and longer-term recovery, rather than provide short-term symptom relief alone.

Price List

Pricing

Consultation
Initial Remote Consultation

Free

Consultation
Face to Face Assessment

100

Focused Shockwave Therapy
Course of 4 Treatments

540

Focused Shockwave Therapy
Course of 6 Treatments

720

Injection Therapy
Advanced Treatments

POA

Frequently Asked Questions

Patellar Tendinosis FAQs

Combined Shape@2xCreated with Sketch. Book Free Consultation
What is patellar tendinosis?
Patellar tendinosis is a chronic condition affecting the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone. It is caused by repeated overload of the tendon, leading to degenerative changes rather than acute inflammation. Pain is typically felt just below the kneecap and is often aggravated by jumping, running, squatting, or stair use.
Yes. Jumper’s knee is a common term used to describe patellar tendinosis. It is frequently seen in sports involving jumping or rapid changes in direction, but it can also occur in non-athletes with repetitive knee loading.
Improvement usually occurs gradually over several months with appropriate rehabilitation and load management. Chronic patellar tendinosis is generally defined as symptoms lasting longer than three months. Recovery timelines vary depending on severity, activity levels, and adherence to rehabilitation.
A scan is not always required. Diagnosis is usually made clinically based on symptoms and examination. In Newcastle, ultrasound or MRI may be recommended in persistent or atypical cases to assess tendon structure or exclude other causes of anterior knee pain.

Shockwave therapy may reduce pain and improve function in selected cases of chronic patellar tendinosis that have not responded to rehabilitation alone. At Northern Medical in Newcastle, focused shockwave therapy is offered following clinical assessment to ensure it is appropriate for your condition.

Injection therapy may be considered in selected cases where pain significantly limits rehabilitation. Different injection options may be discussed during consultation, depending on individual clinical factors. Injection treatment is used cautiously and as part of a broader management plan.

Most people can continue some level of activity, but jumping, sprinting, or deep squatting may need to be modified temporarily. Progressive loading and structured rehabilitation are key to recovery. Your clinician in Newcastle will advise on appropriate activity levels.
Recurrence can occur, particularly if loading is increased too quickly or rehabilitation is incomplete. A gradual return to sport and ongoing strength work help reduce the risk of symptoms returning.
You should consider clinical assessment if knee pain persists for several months, limits activity or sport, or does not improve with initial conservative management. Assessment at Northern Medical in Newcastle helps confirm the diagnosis and guide evidence-based treatment options.
Combined Shape@2xCreated with Sketch. Book an appointment

Rehabilitation and Progressive Loading for Patellar Tendinosis

Rehabilitation is the cornerstone of effective treatment for patellar tendinosis. While pain-modifying treatments may help settle symptoms, long-term improvement depends on restoring the tendon’s ability to tolerate load.

Rehabilitation focuses on progressive strengthening of the quadriceps and related muscle groups, with exercises introduced gradually and progressed over time. Load management, activity modification, and careful return-to-sport planning are essential to support tendon adaptation and reduce the risk of recurrence.

At Northern Medical, rehabilitation advice is integrated into your treatment plan. Where more detailed or supervised rehabilitation is required, we can coordinate care with one of our recommended physiotherapy practices to ensure treatment and rehabilitation are aligned.
Combined Shape@2xCreated with Sketch. Book an appointment
Book Now