Dry Needling for Patellar Tendinopathy and Knee Pain

Patellar tendinopathy—often referred to as jumper’s knee—is a common cause of anterior knee pain, especially in active individuals and athletes. It involves degeneration and microtearing of the patellar tendon, typically where it attaches to the lower portion of the kneecap. This condition develops when repetitive stress from activities like jumping, running, or squatting exceeds the tendon’s ability to recover.

Patients often experience pain at the front of the knee during movement, particularly with squatting, stair climbing, or rising from a seated position. Symptoms may start gradually but can persist for months if the underlying causes are not addressed. Many individuals continue activity despite discomfort, which can increase tendon stress and delay healing.

Muscle dysfunction is a major contributor to this condition. Tight or underperforming quadriceps muscles and poor movement patterns can increase load on the tendon, making recovery more difficult. For individuals in Memphis dealing with persistent knee pain, dry needling is a targeted, non-surgical treatment used to reduce muscle tension and improve how the knee functions during activity.