Patellar tendinopathy rehabilitation for a collegiate football athlete: case report
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Background and Purpose: Patellar tendinopathy is a common pathology among young athletes who participate in sports with requirements for high intensity loading of the lower extremities. The purpose of this case report is to show the progression of an athlete through a protocol intended specifically for patellar tendinopathy. Case Description: A 21-year-old male collegiate football player presented to the clinic with 8/10 left patellar tendinopathy that was hindering his ability to perform the necessary tasks for his position as a slot receiver. The interventions used followed a progression from isometric, all the way to sport specific high intensity tasks using a 4-phase protocol. Outcomes: The patient showed vast improvements in his lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) score, as well as improved tolerance to loading in higher range of motions. The patient subjectively reported feeling a 95% recovery in function with 0/10 pain. Discussion: The 4-phase protocol that was followed for this patient’s course of treatment was incredibly effective at improving tolerance to loading and reducing pain levels. The use of blood flow restriction early on appeared to also be helpful in reducing the time of healing, despite it being a deviation from the main protocol.