Jumper's Knee (Patellar Tendinitis) Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
Your knee hurts every time you jump, squat, or take the stairs.
The pain sits right below your kneecap. It's sore when you warm up, maybe eases a bit, then comes back worse after practice or a workout. Jumping, landing, squatting, and stairs all hurt. You've rested and iced, but as soon as you get back to your sport, it flares right up again.
You deserve more than baseline care. You deserve a provider you can trust, and results that actually last.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
Knee tendon problems we treat
Jumper's knee (patellar tendinitis and tendinopathy)
Quad tendon pain above the kneecap
Osgood-Schlatter and knee pain in growing athletes
Knee pain from basketball, volleyball, and running
Knee pain with squats and lunges in the gym
Tendon pain that keeps coming back
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to your goals, your history, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to you.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We test how your knee handles load, compare your legs with VALD force plates and dynamometry, and look at how you jump and land. Then we explain what's driving your pain in clear, simple language.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use a progressive tendon loading program, hands-on care, and dry needling when it helps, then build you back to jumping and sport.
Why rest doesn't fix it
Tendons get stronger when they're loaded the right way, and weaker when they're rested too long. Research supports a step-by-step loading plan, often starting with isometric holds to calm pain, then heavy slow strength work, then jumping and sport. That's how we build your plan, so your tendon can handle your sport again.
What our clients say
"The whole team has helped me rehab a knee injury that has me back to my normal training in just a few weeks but big shout out to Jack for putting together a great plan."
Iris R. ★★★★★
"In just one visit, I already feel much more knowledgeable about the complications I've had with my knee and back from weight training. Megan was very thorough with her assessment."
Taylor J. ★★★★★
"My daughter who's 11 had injured her knee… They really focused on her individual needs and worked with her to her own comfort level while still making a lot of progress."
Casey P. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you keep playing through tendon pain, or shut everything down, jumper's knee tends to linger for months. There's a better middle ground.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
How long until my knee feels better?
In most cases, pain is gone within the first month, and often sooner. Plans of care average about 3 months, so you stay out of pain and come back stronger.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Do I have to stop playing?
Not always. Many athletes keep playing with a few changes while the tendon gets stronger. We'll give you a clear plan for how much is safe.
Will a knee strap help?
A strap can ease pain in the short term, but it doesn't fix the tendon. A loading program is what keeps the pain from coming back.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If you felt a pop and can't straighten your knee or lift your leg, your knee swelled up quickly after an injury, it locks or gives way, or it's hot and red with a fever, see a physician right away.
More knee help: Bulgarian Split Squat for Single-Leg Strength (video) · Sports Performance Testing for High School Athletes (video) · Mobility Test: Full Squat (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Athletes come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.