30 Seconds Summary
Squatting with Patellar Tendinopathy

  • Training with patellar tendinopathy requires a focus on understanding tendon structure, function, adaptability, and rehabilitation principles.
  • Tendons, particularly the patellar tendon, are composed predominantly of water and collagen, showcasing remarkable tensile strength and ability to absorb and release energy efficiently.
  • Understanding the adaptability of tendons through mechanotransduction is essential, as cells within respond to mechanical stimuli which can aid in rehabilitation efforts.
  • Tendinopathy, including patellar tendinopathy, requires precise load management—excessive or insufficient loading can hinder recovery.
  • The rehab process involves optimized tissue loading, balancing sufficient stress to promote adaptation without overloading, often using isometric and eccentric loading techniques.
  • Rehabilitation strategies should include monitoring pain and discomfort during exercises to ensure tendon loading is not aggravating the condition.
  • Exercise selection should limit deep knee flexion initially and progressively include higher intensity and varied exercises as the tendon adapts.
  • Training frequency should allow for adequate recovery, typically spacing sessions 36-48 hours apart to facilitate collagen synthesis and tendon recovery.
  • The rehabilitation period should be at least 8-12 weeks to allow significant tendon adaptations, with careful monitoring and gradual increase in loading.

Track & Plan Workouts
with Ease

  • Unlimited workout logs
  • Automatic volume tracking
  • Personalized programs
  • RPE support, rest timer, and more!
WorkoutWise Screenshot

Read Next

Squatting with bands may be ideal for improving jumping performance

A recent study aimed to compare the effects of squatting with straight weight versus squatting with bands.

Stronger By Science

Greg Nuckols

Study: Squatting twice a day for double the squat strength

Training frequency is a hot topic, and it’s a subtle one. If we look at studies on untrained individuals, the literature is quite clear that there are minimal benefits to training a muscle more than even just once a week. However, in trained individuals, the literature is more divided with multiple…

MennoHenselmans.com

Menno Henselmans

High Bar vs. Low Bar Squatting

Is one way of squatting superior to the other? No, with a few caveats for powerlifters.

Stronger By Science

Greg Nuckols

High Bar and Low Bar Squatting 2.0 - Strengtheory

The high bar and low bar squat: What’s the difference, what limits performance, and how can take your squatting to the next level?

Stronger By Science

Greg Nuckols

Is spinal flexion actually dangerous when squatting or deadlifting?

You’ve probably been taught to keep your spine and pelvis in a relatively neutral position while squatting or deadlifting. Specifically, you’re not supposed to let your back round over (spinal flexion) or allow ‘butt wink’ (posterior pelvic tilt), lest you injure your back. The idea that rounding yo…

MennoHenselmans.com

Menno Henselmans