| Objective: To describe the anatomy and pathophysiology of patellar tendinopathy, and the response to conservative management of chronic patellar tendinopathy in a NBL basketball player under chiropractic care. Clinical Features: A 26-year-old male professional basketball player presented with right anterior knee pain of 2-years duration. Following a history and physical examination, the author made a clinical diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy, complicated by patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Intervention and Outcome: Treatment consisted of (1) chiropractic mechanically assisted adjusting techniques (MAT) to the left knee utilizing an Activator Adjusting Instrument™ and a portable drop-piece mechanism, (2) soft tissue therapy employing deep tissue effleurage and myofascial release techniques, and (3) a specific rehabilitation program aimed at strengthening the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), transversus abdominis (TA) and gluteus maximus musculature, and stretching of hypertonic musculature. Conclusion: This case study suggests that the conservative management of chronic patellar tendinopathy through chiropractic treatment is of benefit to professional basketball players, allowing them to manage a chronic condition and still compete and train at the highest level throughout an intense 8-month NBL season. This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher; full text by subscription.
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