The use of Patella tendon straps recently received media attention when Tennis
world number two Rafael Nadal decided to use them as a method of Patella tendon
injury treatment. Nadal's winning return to action after an injury lay off suggests
that Patella tendon straps allow a high level of function, despite an ongoing
Patella tendon injury.
Patella
tendon straps provide compression around the knee that is focused on
the Patella tendon (located just below the knee cap - patella). The
tendon is where the quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh converge
and attach to the shin bone. The level of compression can be customised
by the user, in order to provide a comfortable level of support to
the Patella tendon.
The compression provided by the Patella tendon strap effectively reduces the cross sectional area of the Patella tendon. This means that less force can be transmitted from the Quadriceps muscles to the Patella tendon. This has the effect of reducing the stress placed on the Patella tendon, while allowing the user to continue with their activity.
Many elite athletes such as tennis pros, volleyball players and professional
and college basketball players use this product, to relieve the symptoms of
Patella Tendinopathy and Patella Tendonitis.
Recreational athletes who suffer
from Patella tendon problems can also benefit from using a Patella tendon
strap.
For the painful symptoms of Patella Tendinopathy or Patella Tendonitis. A Patella tendon strap allows the user to continue activities that had previously been painful due to Patella Tendinopathy or Patella Tendinitis. This symptomatic relief should be backed up by a supervised rehabilitation programme that consists of 'eccentric' Quadriceps muscle strengthening.
Whatever your skill level, the approach used by Rafael Nadal is certainly
effective. Whether you play tennis, basketball, badminton, volleyball,
netball or are involved in cheerleading or dance, a Patella Tendon strap
is appropriate to aid treatment of a Patella Tendon problem and keep
you in your game.
Patella Tendinopathy (also
referred to as Patella Tendonitis).
A number of Patella Tendon straps are available. Use the links for the products shown below to view our product guide for each one, designed to help you decide which one is best suited to your needs.
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