How Central Chiropractic Clinic in Coventry Can Help
Patellar tendinitis and patellar tendinopathy are two terms that are often used to describe the same knee condition commonly referred to as “jumper’s knee” or “runner’s knee.” Both conditions involve irritation or degeneration of the patellar tendon the strong band of tissue connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia).
At Central Chiropractic Clinic, 12 Park Road, Coventry, CV1 2LD, we regularly see patients with this condition, particularly those who lead active lifestyles, participate in sports, or have demanding physical routines.
What Is Patellar Tendinitis / Tendinopathy?
Tendinitis vs. Tendinopathy
Although the terms are used interchangeably, they technically refer to different stages of the same issue:
- Patellar Tendinitis early-stage inflammation of the tendon.
- Patellar Tendinopathy a longer-term, degenerative condition caused by repeated strain, often without significant inflammation.
Both can cause pain just below the kneecap, stiffness, difficulty jumping or running, and discomfort when climbing stairs.
Physiotherapy for early stage cases
When treated early, physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and restore normal tendon function. Treatment may include:
- Soft-tissue therapy
- Strengthening and loading programmes
- Stretching and mobility work
- Biomechanical correction
- Advice on activity modification
K-Laser or shockwave Therapy for more severe cases
If the condition becomes acute, persistent, or significantly painful, physiotherapy alone may not be enough. In these cases, we often recommend:
K-Laser Therapy
A non-invasive treatment designed to reduce pain, improve circulation, and accelerate tissue repair.
Shockwave Therapy
Effective for chronic tendinopathies by encouraging tendon regeneration and reducing pain over a series of treatments.
These modalities are especially helpful for long-standing or stubborn cases where tendon fibres have begun to degenerate.
Five Most Common Causes of Patellar Tendinopathy
- Overuse from jumping or running sports
- Sudden increases in training intensity or volume
- Poor lower-limb biomechanics (e.g., flat feet or knee valgus)
- Tight or weak quadriceps and hamstring muscles
- Hard surfaces or inappropriate footwear
A Note About Recent Local Football Injury News
Many Coventry City supporters recently expressed concern after young goalkeeper Oliver Dovin suffered a knee injury following an awkward challenge in a match against Sheffield United.
Some early speculation online suggested the possibility of patellar tendinopathy. However, it is important to clarify that:
- Patellar tendinopathy is a long-term, wear-and-tear condition, not a sudden impact injury.
- Injuries occurring after an acute twist, fall, or collision such as those reported in Dovin’s case are typically linked to impact-related ligament injuries, such as an ACL injury, rather than patellar tendon degeneration.
Again, only the club’s medical team can provide an official diagnosis, but the nature of the incident aligns more closely with an acute ligament injury than with chronic patellar tendinopathy.
Need help with knee pain?
Whether you’re an athlete or simply dealing with daily discomfort, the team at Central Chiropractic Clinic in Coventry can assess your knee, identify the root cause, and create a personalised treatment plan.
Call us today to book an assessment or speak to our physiotherapy team.
