. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2020 Sep 1.

Published in final edited form as: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2019 Sep;49(9):627–630. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.0611

TABLE 1.

Key principles of quadriceps tendinopathy treatment

Key Principles
Controlled tendon loading is the central tenant of treatment. Activity modification may be necessary to prevent worsening of symptoms and to allow adequate time for the tendon to recover. Loading in end-range knee flexion may maximize load in the quadriceps tendon but caution should be used in the presence of bony abnormalities. The addition of tibial rotation and/or hip extension with loading exercise may preferentially load different regions of the quadriceps tendon. Mild to moderate pain during loading is not detrimental and may help target loading to the pathological region of the tendon. Electrical stimulation may be beneficial in restoring quadriceps muscle function and ensuring adequate load across the tendon.

Key Principles

Controlled tendon loading is the central tenant of treatment.
Activity modification may be necessary to prevent worsening of symptoms and to allow adequate time for the tendon to recover.
Loading in end-range knee flexion may maximize load in the quadriceps tendon but caution should be used in the presence of bony abnormalities.
The addition of tibial rotation and/or hip extension with loading exercise may preferentially load different regions of the quadriceps tendon.
Mild to moderate pain during loading is not detrimental and may help target loading to the pathological region of the tendon.
Electrical stimulation may be beneficial in restoring quadriceps muscle function and ensuring adequate load across the tendon.