Pain above the kneecap, physical therapy, treatment: Focus Fizikal✓

• Patellar tendinitis
• Sindrom bola u prednjem delu kolena
• Prepatellar bursitis
• Meniscus injury 

The causes of pain above the kneecap are most commonly associated with a sudden increase in the intensity of physical activities or a chronic muscle imbalance between the front and back of the thigh. Factors such as hip muscle weakness, inadequate exercise technique, or congenital variations in the position of the patella further contribute to the development of inflammatory processes. Although this problem is common in athletes, it also affects individuals who are not involved in sports due to prolonged sitting, which leads to shortening and weakening of the muscles.

Main causes of pain above the kneecap include:

1. Quadriceps Tendinitis: An inflammatory process in the tendon caused by frequent running, jumping, or cycling with high resistance.
2. Suprapatellar Bursitis: Inflammation of the small bursa located above the kneecap, which helps reduce friction between the tendon and the bone.
3. Muscle Imbalance: Primarily weakness in the inner part of the quadriceps (VMO), leading to improper upward tracking of the patella.
4. Degenerative Changes (Tendinosis): Where the tendon loses its elasticity and strength due to aging or chronic overuse.
5. Sudden Injury or Strain: A sudden injury or strain in the quadriceps muscles at the point where the muscle fibers transition into tendon, leading to localized pain above the kneecap.

Identifying the specific cause of pain above the kneecap is essential for creating a rehabilitation plan that will provide a lasting solution, rather than just alleviating the pain temporarily. Each cause requires a specific approach to strengthen and mobilize the tissues, restoring the proper biomechanics of the knee.

The treatment for pain above the kneecap at Fizikalna terapija Focus focuses on reducing mechanical stress on the quadriceps tendon attachment and stimulating the regeneration of tendon fibers. The therapeutic process begins with controlling the inflammation, after which exercises are gradually introduced to restore elasticity and strength to the entire thigh. Successful rehabilitation is a systematic process that requires the patient's consistency in performing the prescribed exercise program.

The modern rehabilitation approach includes the following stages:

• Detailed functional assessment of the biomechanics of the hip, knee, and ankle joints to identify the primary source of overloading.
• Physical therapy procedures such as shockwave therapy, tecar therapy, and high-power laser to accelerate the healing of deep tissues.
• Manual therapy and myofascial release of the quadriceps muscles to reduce tension on the upper part of the patella.
• Kinesiotherapy focusing on eccentric strengthening exercises, clinically proven to be the most effective for tendon issues.
• Use of kinesiology taping during the transitional phase to relieve stress on the tendon attachment during walking or sports activities.

Continued implementation of preventive exercises after therapy completion ensures that the tendon remains healthy and resistant to future stresses. This comprehensive treatment not only eliminates pain but also significantly improves overall stability and strength of the entire leg.