Patellar Tendinopathy Responding to Spinal Treatment: A Case Report Using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy

# Background Patellar tendinopathy is a common condition among athletes. While treatment typically focuses on strengthening exercises for knee extensors, the underlying origin of knee pain often remains unclear. This case report aims to illustrate the clinical reasoning process for a patient referr...

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Main Authors: Wilfried Serres, Joachim Van Cant
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: North American Sports Medicine Institute 2025-06-01
Series:International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.137949
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author Wilfried Serres
Joachim Van Cant
author_facet Wilfried Serres
Joachim Van Cant
author_sort Wilfried Serres
collection DOAJ
description # Background Patellar tendinopathy is a common condition among athletes. While treatment typically focuses on strengthening exercises for knee extensors, the underlying origin of knee pain often remains unclear. This case report aims to illustrate the clinical reasoning process for a patient referred to physical therapy for patellar tendinopathy using the Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) system assessment. # Case description A 45-year-old patient engaged in a marathon preparation was diagnosed with chronic patellar tendinopathy. He reported experiencing pain during long-distance runs and interval training, as well as during functional tests. Treatment involved only repeated lumbar movement exercises, which elicited changes in knee pain and functional limitations. # Outcomes Numeric pain rating scores and the Victoria Institute of Sport Assessment questionnaire were used to assess changes in pain, function, and sport limitations. NPRS decreased from 4/10 at rest after sport and 7/10 during activities to 0/10 in both scenarios. Meanwhile, disability scores improved from 57/100 to 99/100 after three weeks of follow-up and reached 100 at six months. # Conclusion The results of this case report emphasize the importance of assessing the spine in knee disorders. Through a comprehensive examination, chronic tendon pain can be effectively addressed. The MDT system was effective in distinguishing between spinal and knee-related symptoms in this marathon runner.
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spelling doaj-art-b00d2d830bdb4bf9ba14e3e1b8daab792025-08-20T03:47:19ZengNorth American Sports Medicine InstituteInternational Journal of Sports Physical Therapy2159-28962025-06-0120610.26603/001c.137949Patellar Tendinopathy Responding to Spinal Treatment: A Case Report Using Mechanical Diagnosis and TherapyWilfried SerresJoachim Van Cant# Background Patellar tendinopathy is a common condition among athletes. While treatment typically focuses on strengthening exercises for knee extensors, the underlying origin of knee pain often remains unclear. This case report aims to illustrate the clinical reasoning process for a patient referred to physical therapy for patellar tendinopathy using the Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) system assessment. # Case description A 45-year-old patient engaged in a marathon preparation was diagnosed with chronic patellar tendinopathy. He reported experiencing pain during long-distance runs and interval training, as well as during functional tests. Treatment involved only repeated lumbar movement exercises, which elicited changes in knee pain and functional limitations. # Outcomes Numeric pain rating scores and the Victoria Institute of Sport Assessment questionnaire were used to assess changes in pain, function, and sport limitations. NPRS decreased from 4/10 at rest after sport and 7/10 during activities to 0/10 in both scenarios. Meanwhile, disability scores improved from 57/100 to 99/100 after three weeks of follow-up and reached 100 at six months. # Conclusion The results of this case report emphasize the importance of assessing the spine in knee disorders. Through a comprehensive examination, chronic tendon pain can be effectively addressed. The MDT system was effective in distinguishing between spinal and knee-related symptoms in this marathon runner.https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.137949
spellingShingle Wilfried Serres
Joachim Van Cant
Patellar Tendinopathy Responding to Spinal Treatment: A Case Report Using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
title Patellar Tendinopathy Responding to Spinal Treatment: A Case Report Using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
title_full Patellar Tendinopathy Responding to Spinal Treatment: A Case Report Using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
title_fullStr Patellar Tendinopathy Responding to Spinal Treatment: A Case Report Using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
title_full_unstemmed Patellar Tendinopathy Responding to Spinal Treatment: A Case Report Using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
title_short Patellar Tendinopathy Responding to Spinal Treatment: A Case Report Using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
title_sort patellar tendinopathy responding to spinal treatment a case report using mechanical diagnosis and therapy
url https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.137949
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