Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper's knee, is an injury that can affect your ability to walk and move comfortably. This is an overuse injury that is linked to painful symptoms. If you play sports, like basketball or volleyball, you are at an elevated risk of experiencing this injury.
These are some of the exercises your physical therapy treatment may incorporate to treat patellar tendonitis.
Bridges
Glute bridges are also critical for building strength in the glutes, which will also help build mobility in your legs. You'll start this exercise on your back with your legs bent. Squeeze your glutes and activate your core to lift your hips off the ground. Hold at the top and squeeze your glutes before you return to your starting position.
You can also do this exercise with one leg to build more stability and strength on the side that experiences more weakness than the other.
Side-Lying Leg Raises
Side leg raises are a great option for building mobility in your legs, especially if your hips benefit from additional strength as well. You will lie on your side with the top leg bent over the straight lower leg. Stabilize yourself and lift your bottom leg up and down.
You can also do one-legged leg raises as you lie on your back, which can be a good way to build more stability and mobility in the front of your leg.
Clams
If you want to build hip strength and mobility that will support your knee injury and encourage you to recover, banded clams can help you build a foundation of strength. You'll use a resistance band as you lie on your side with your legs bent together. Open the top leg, feeling the resistance as you open up slowly.
Steps Up & Down
Stepping up onto a stair is great for your legs and your cardiovascular system. Even if you move slowly, you will build flexibility in your leg. Steps can be a good warm-up for your physical therapy exercise routine.
The Importance of Building Strength in Physical Therapy
Building strength in your legs and glutes is important because it will help build support and mobility for your knee. You also need to build flexibility so that you are at lower risk for injury.
If you have been injured and experienced patellar tendonitis, now is a good time to speak with a physical therapist. Your therapist will help you build strength to avoid future injury, especially if you plan to participate in sports again in the future. For more information about physical therapy treatments, contact a local clinic.
Share