Jumper’s Knee: How Chiropractic Care Can Support Healing and Performance
At Dr. Noah Banks’ chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we often see patients who struggle with jumper’s knee and want to avoid invasive options like surgery. While chiropractic care is not a “quick fix,” it can play a key role in reducing pain, improving movement, and supporting long-term recovery.
What Is Jumper’s Knee?
Jumper’s knee develops when the patellar tendon becomes irritated or inflamed due to overuse, repetitive stress, or poor biomechanics. It’s particularly common among basketball players, runners, volleyball players, and cyclists—though it can affect anyone who puts repetitive strain on the knees.
Typical symptoms include:
Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap
Stiffness after physical activity
Swelling around the front of the knee
Weakness or difficulty extending the leg
If left untreated, jumper’s knee can progress from mild irritation to chronic pain and reduced mobility, sometimes even leading to partial tears in the tendon.
Why Jumper’s Knee Happens:
Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that patellar tendinopathy is not just caused by activity level, but also by underlying factors such as muscle imbalances, poor landing mechanics, or restricted joint mobility. For example, tight hip flexors or weak glutes can place extra stress on the knees during jumping and running. Similarly, misalignment in the spine, hips, or ankles may alter the way the body distributes force, leading to excess strain on the patellar tendon.
This is why a whole-body approach to treatment can be more effective than simply resting the knee or taking pain relievers.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help:
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper movement, alignment, and function to the musculoskeletal system. For jumper’s knee, this often means addressing more than just the knee itself.
Spinal and Pelvic Alignment
When the pelvis or lower back is misaligned, it can change the way weight is distributed through the legs. A chiropractor can assess and correct these imbalances, helping to reduce the repetitive strain placed on the knees.Joint Adjustments
Adjustments to the knee, ankle, and hip joints may improve movement and decrease abnormal stress on the patellar tendon. By restoring natural mobility, chiropractic care can help the body heal more efficiently.Soft Tissue Therapy
Techniques such as myofascial release, instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy, or targeted stretching can reduce muscle tightness and improve blood flow to the area. Research has shown that improving circulation around tendons supports healing and recovery.Rehabilitation and Exercise Guidance
Chiropractors often recommend strengthening and mobility exercises to complement adjustments. Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, while improving flexibility in the hips and calves, can reduce the likelihood of re-injury.Posture and Movement Coaching
Many athletes unknowingly place extra stress on their knees through poor posture or faulty movement patterns. Chiropractors can analyze gait and mechanics, offering corrections that reduce long-term strain.
Evidence Supporting Chiropractic and Tendon Health:
Studies support a conservative, non-surgical approach for tendon injuries. A review in The American Journal of Sports Medicine emphasized the importance of mechanical load management, movement correction, and targeted rehabilitation for conditions like patellar tendinopathy. Chiropractic care, by addressing joint alignment and neuromuscular balance, aligns closely with these recommendations.
Additionally, research has shown that spinal adjustments can improve overall muscle activation and coordination, which may reduce compensatory movements that lead to overuse injuries like jumper’s knee.
Why Bentonville Athletes Benefit from Chiropractic:
Bentonville is quickly becoming a hub for outdoor and athletic activities—from mountain biking to basketball and recreational running. With more people engaging in high-impact sports, knee pain is a frequent concern. Chiropractic care provides a non-invasive, drug-free approach that not only addresses current pain but also helps prevent future injuries by supporting better biomechanics.
Parents of student-athletes, weekend golfers, or cyclists preparing for long trail rides can all benefit from incorporating chiropractic into their wellness routine. By taking a proactive approach, many patients are able to stay active and recover more quickly from the demands of their sport or lifestyle.
Final Thoughts:
Jumper’s knee can be painful and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to sideline you from the activities you love. By addressing the root causes of stress on the patellar tendon—such as misalignment, poor movement patterns, and muscle imbalances—chiropractic care offers a natural path toward healing and long-term performance.
At Dr. Noah Banks’ chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we take an individualized approach to care, helping athletes and families overcome knee pain and return to doing what they love. Whether you’re dealing with early signs of jumper’s knee or struggling with chronic pain, chiropractic may be the missing piece in your recovery.
Take the next step toward stronger, healthier knees. Schedule your consultation today and learn how chiropractic can help you get back in the game.
