Friday, April 5, 2013

Kinesiology tape as one of the treatment for jumper's knee



Your friendly Chiropractor in Chandler AZ, Dr. Dan Rae, is back at the computer this morning after missing out on writing articles this past week due to a hectic schedule.  Today I am going to address an injury that is very common known as Patellar Tendinitis, or better known as Jumper’s Knee.



In the image above by MendMeShop, we are able to see the inflammation in the patellar tendon just below the knee cap (patella).  The pain is felt at the at the patellar tendon or at the attachment to the patella or at the attachment of the patellar tendon to the tibia at the tibial tuberosity.  Pain is increased when attempting to straighten the leg against resistance when bent beyond 90 degrees.  This injury is usually caused due to repetitive stress to the patellar tendon from activities such as jumping and running.

These patients come into my office, generally athletes, complaining of pain just below the patella when running and jumping.

Treatment for Jumper’s Knee is very simple including RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).  Kinesiology Tape is often applied to decrease the amount tension being placed on the patellar tendon.  Gradual return to full activity is highly recommended with initial avoidance of plyometric type exercises.  Those who do not follow the aforementioned protocol may accrue a chronic, difficult, often career-limiting disorder.

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