Understanding and Treating Knee Pain: Patellar Tendinitis

What is Patellar Tendinitis?

Patellar tendinitis, often referred to as “jumper’s knee,” is a condition that involves inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. This condition is common in athletes, especially those involved in sports that require repetitive jumping, running, or squatting. It typically presents as pain just below the kneecap, particularly during physical activity or after prolonged periods of sitting.

Causes and Symptoms

The primary cause of patellar tendinitis is overuse. Repetitive stress on the tendon can lead to tiny tears, causing inflammation and pain. Contributing factors include insufficient strength or mobility for the activities being performed, improper footwear, and poor biomechanics. Symptoms include:

  • Pain just below the kneecap
  • Stiffness or weakness in the knee
  • Swelling or tenderness in the tendon and knee
  • Difficulty with stairs, impact, or jumping activities

Our Whole-Person Approach to Treatment

We focus on more than relieving symptoms at Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center. Our whole-person approach to treating patellar tendinitis addresses muscle imbalances, posture, and joint function to identify underlying causes of the condition. Our comprehensive treatment may include:

  • Chiropractic care to improve knee alignment and reduce joint stress
  • Functional rehabilitation to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve biomechanics
  • Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy and NIR (near-infrared) red light therapy to decrease inflammation and tissue healing
  • Vibration plate therapy to increase mobility, strength, and balance

By looking beyond the symptoms, we provide long-lasting relief and prevent future flare-ups.

Hamstring Strain or Tightness: More Than Just Stretching

What is a Hamstring Strain?

A hamstring strain occurs when one or more of the muscles in the back of the thigh are overstretched or torn. This can happen due to a sudden injury or due to repetitive strain.  

On the other hand, hamstring tightness often results from underlying weaknesses rather than actual shortness of the muscles. Hamstrings are some of the largest muscles in your body and play a large role in helping you stay upright.  Tight hamstrings often compensate for other muscles, like the glutes or core, not being as strong and stable as they need to be.  

Both conditions are common in athletes who engage in sports involving sprinting or explosive movements.

Causes and Symptoms

Hamstring strains typically result from sudden movements like sprinting or improper warm-ups. Hamstring tightness often stems from poor core or hip stability. Symptoms of hamstring strain include:

  • Sudden sharp pain in the back of the thigh
  • Bruising or swelling
  • Difficulty walking or bending the knee

Hamstring tightness may present as:

  • Stiffness in the back of the thigh
  • Difficulty with activities like squatting or bending forward

Our Whole-Person Approach to Treatment

At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we don’t just focus on stretching tight hamstrings or addressing the site of injury. Our whole-person approach looks at your body’s mechanics to identify weak links. Treatment options may include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to improve hip, pelvis, and low back alignment
  • Strengthening exercises for the core, hips, and glutes to support proper movement patterns
  • Soft tissue therapy to address any scar tissue or adhesions
  • Frequency Specific Microcurrent therapy to promote healing and reduce inflammation

By improving joint mobility and muscle stability, we help you prevent recurring hamstring injuries.

IT Band Syndrome: Why It Can’t Be Stretched and What You Can Do

What is IT Band Syndrome?

IT (iliotibial) band syndrome occurs when the IT band, a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, becomes tight and irritated. While many people believe IT band syndrome results from tightness alone, it’s often caused by muscle imbalances and weaknesses in the hips, foot, or ankle. This condition is common among runners and cyclists.

Causes and Symptoms

Rather than just tightness, IT band syndrome is typically due to poor movement patterns, weak hip stabilizers, or foot/ankle dysfunction. Symptoms include:

  • Sharp pain on the outside of the knee
  • Pain that worsens with activity, especially running or cycling
  • A feeling of tightness along the thigh

Our Whole-Person Approach to Treatment

Treating IT band syndrome involves strengthening weak muscles and improving mobility in key areas. At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we take a holistic view, focusing on:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to improve joint mobility in the knee, hips, and lower back
  • Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the hip, ankle, and foot muscles
  • Soft tissue therapies to reduce inflammation and improve mobility
  • NIR Red light therapy decreases inflammation and stimulates tissue healing
  • Frequency-Specific Microcurrent to accelerate healing

By addressing the root causes—muscle imbalances and biomechanical issues—we help restore strength and mobility

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