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Patellar Tendon Pain

A patient will not notice a specific event or accident to cause patellar-femoral joint pain (PFJ pain). It usually occurs over a period of time. The symptoms of PFJ pain are generally a vague pain around the inner knee area. Sport or running aggravates this pain. Patients may also have a sense of tightness in the knee area. If a patient has PFJ pain they can sometimes hear cracking and popping noises beneath and on the inside of the kneecap.

The knee cap is normally pulled over the end of the thigh bone in a straight line by the thigh muscle. Patients with PFJ pain usually have abnormal patellar tracking toward the outside of the thigh bone. This out-of-alignment pathway allows the undersurface of the patella to ‘grate’ and ‘grind’ along the thigh bone causing inflammation and pain.

We know that the knee is a complex group of joints, ligaments and muscles that need to work in the correct biomechanical pattern to help facilitate movements (such as in sport), but also to prevent injury from reoccurring.

The knee and knee cap require a strong stable base to function. Pain, spasm and inflammation will develop if you keep using your knee while you have an injured knee cap. This in turn causes you to develop poor movement patterns. Your walking / running style will be altered. Strength deficits will occur in your knee and the surrounding muscles and joints. These strength and biomechanical deficits will become a habit and you will be consistently in pain or your knee will frequently give way or feel unsteady.

Treatment for your pain and stiffness is really important because it makes you feel better and relieves the pain. This treatment will allow you to get back to work, sports and daily life.

Treatment of your knee pain will make you feel better. However, if you have the pain treated (massage, mobilization, medications, taping), but do not correct your knees biomechanics and strength deficits, you are only receiving a “temporary relief” from your pain, and it is likely that your pain will reoccur. This is only short-term relief, and not a long-term solution.

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  • "I enjoy treating knees, and here at RJ Physio we see many knee injuries and clients suffering from knee pain. Having a great knowledge of how the knee works and wonderful facilities at RJ Physio, including two gyms and a Pilates studio, anyone with a knee problem should see the team. Call me today to see if can help you with your knee pain."

    Hamish Donnison

  • "Having experienced headache’s and neck pain myself I have become an expert at treating them. I have qualified with my post-graduate diploma in manipulative therapy, and love sorting out my client’s stiff and painful necks, helping them with their posture and returning them to work."

    Leighton Wills

  • "Having qualifications in Pilates, my goals with my clients are to restore their movement and strength. Our specialized equipment helps this in a fun and friendly way. RJ Physio has group classes and well as individual sessions, so we can tailor to your specific needs. Pilates can help return you to work, sports and reduce your pain and increase your performance. Call me today and I can discuss your Pilates options."

    Pip Greenwood

  • "As a fully qualified sonographer I spend all day scanning my client’s injuries. Our appointments take only 20 minutes and I feed back my findings directly to your physiotherapist or doctor. This helps them plan your injury management. Ask you physio today if you need an ultra sound scan to help with your injury."

    Simon Cunliffe