Trevor Vander Doelen
Purpose: To demonstrate and document the outcomes of using a multimodal rehabilitation approach for managing patellar tendinopathy in basketball players.
Methods: A multimodal treatment approach was utilized during a competitive season. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Patellar Tendinopathy (VISA-P) questionnaire, and a Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were used as outcome measures. A single group, pre-test/post-test, de-identified, retrospective chart review was performed.
Findings: Nine players were diagnosed and treated for patellar tendinopathy. The VISA-P scores were significantly higher at the end of the season, with a mean increase of 30 points (p<0.05). The NPRS during training over the previous week was significantly improved by 4.9 points (95% CI) from the start to the end of the season.
Conclusion: A multimodal treatment approach is an effective strategy to reduce patellar tendon pain and improve knee function for safe return to sport and improved athletic performance.