Many athletic trainers use a modality called therapeutic ultrasound to help with the healing process of various kinds of injuries. Athletic trainers use ultrasound on a specific injury called patellar tendinopathy. Patellar tendinopathy is also referred to as “jumper’s knee” or patellar tendinitis. Patellar tendinopathy is a degenerative injury that could be caused by overuse. Athletes who have this injury usually have pain on the inferior pole of the patella. This condition usually develops in athletes who participate in sports that involve a quick change in direction, jumping, or running, such as basketball and volleyball (Larsson, Käll, & Nilsson-Helander, 2011). Although athletic trainers use therapeutic ultrasound on patellar tendinopathy, it really is not beneficial in the healing process of this type of injury.
Patellar Tendinopathy Patellar tendinopathy is a condition that can be detrimental to an athlete’s career because it is an aggravating injury. Many athletes continue to have patellar tendon pain even “ten years after …show more content…
Instead of using ultrasound, diathermy has been used because it heats up the tissues of the patellar region. Another type of treatment that could be used is eccentric exercises. In cases of patellar tendinopathy, the patellar tendon becomes weak, and strengthening the tendon helps it become stronger. Doing those exercises might be painful, but “some pain during exercise therapy can lead to good treatment results when pain settles within 24 hours and does not increase day by day” (Zwerver, 2008). Injections could also be another form of treatment for patellar tendinopathy. In severe cases where a conservative rehabilitation program does not work, surgery might be the best type of treatment. Although surgery might be helpful, “Surgery does not guarantee a quick, symptom-free return to sports at the original level” (Zwerver,
Patellar Tendinopathy Patellar tendinopathy is a condition that can be detrimental to an athlete’s career because it is an aggravating injury. Many athletes continue to have patellar tendon pain even “ten years after …show more content…
Instead of using ultrasound, diathermy has been used because it heats up the tissues of the patellar region. Another type of treatment that could be used is eccentric exercises. In cases of patellar tendinopathy, the patellar tendon becomes weak, and strengthening the tendon helps it become stronger. Doing those exercises might be painful, but “some pain during exercise therapy can lead to good treatment results when pain settles within 24 hours and does not increase day by day” (Zwerver, 2008). Injections could also be another form of treatment for patellar tendinopathy. In severe cases where a conservative rehabilitation program does not work, surgery might be the best type of treatment. Although surgery might be helpful, “Surgery does not guarantee a quick, symptom-free return to sports at the original level” (Zwerver,