Patella Tendon Repair
Patella tendon repair surgery restores knee function after a rupture. Physiotherapy is essential for recovery, helping regain strength, movement, and safe return to activity.
What is Patella Tendon Repair?
Patella tendon repair is a surgical procedure used to fix a torn or ruptured patella tendon.
The patella tendon connects your kneecap (patella) to your shin bone (tibia) and plays a crucial role in straightening your knee. When this tendon is torn, it becomes difficult or impossible to extend the leg.
If you are recovering from patella tendon surgery in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides structured rehabilitation to restore full knee function.
Why is Patella Tendon Repair Needed?
This surgery is required when the tendon is significantly damaged or completely ruptured.
Common causes include:
- Sudden forceful contraction (e.g., landing from a jump)
- Sports injuries
- Direct trauma to the knee
- Degenerative weakening of the tendon
Typical symptoms before surgery:
- “cannot straighten knee”
- “knee gave way after jump”
- “sharp pain below kneecap”
- “difficulty walking after knee injury”
Partial tears may sometimes be treated conservatively, but complete ruptures require surgery.
What Happens During Surgery?
During patella tendon repair:
- Damaged tendon edges are cleaned
- Tendon is stitched back together or reattached to bone
- Bone tunnels or anchors may be used
- In severe cases, grafts (hamstring or Achilles tendon) may be used
The goal is to restore tendon continuity and knee function.
Physiotherapy BEFORE Surgery
In most cases, surgery is performed quickly. If delayed slightly:
- Knee is immobilised
- Focus is on maintaining strength in:
- Hip
- Ankle
- Opposite leg
Prehabilitation helps improve post-surgery outcomes.
At ACE Physio Sports Singapore, we ensure your body is prepared for recovery.
Learn more 👉 https://acephysiosport.com
Symptoms After Surgery
After patella tendon repair, you may experience:
- Pain and swelling
- Knee stiffness
- Limited movement
- Use of knee brace
- Partial weight-bearing with crutches
- Driving restriction (~6 weeks)
These improve with structured physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy AFTER Surgery (Recovery Phases)
1–2 Weeks (Protection Phase)
Focus: protect repair and reduce swelling
- Ice, compression, elevation
- Gentle patella mobilisation
- Isometric exercises (quads, hamstrings, glutes)
- Hip and ankle strengthening
- Partial weight-bearing with crutches
2–4 Weeks (Early Activation Phase)
Focus: controlled movement and strength
- Gradual weight-bearing progression
- Gentle quadriceps retraining
- Hamstring strengthening
- Continued patella mobilisation
- Movement education
4–6 Weeks (Mobility Phase)
Focus: restore movement and strength
- Progressive weight-bearing
- Knee range of motion exercises
- Strengthening (quads, hamstrings, hip)
- Balance and proprioception training
- Functional exercises
6–12 Weeks (Strength Phase)
Focus: regain function
- Full range of motion exercises
- Progressive strengthening
- Gait retraining
- Balance and stability training
- Low-impact cardio (cycling)
12–16 Weeks (Advanced Strength Phase)
Focus: functional recovery
- Advanced strengthening exercises
- Patella tracking control
- Functional movement training
- Sport-specific preparation
16–24 Weeks (Return to Sport Phase)
Focus: full performance
- Plyometric training
- Agility drills
- Sport-specific exercises
- Endurance training
- Injury prevention
Recovery Timeline
Typical recovery:
- Walking with support: early weeks
- Strength recovery: 3–4 months
- Return to sport: 4–6 months+
Full recovery depends on physiotherapy consistency.
What Should I Do After Surgery?
- Follow your rehab plan strictly
- Protect the tendon early
- Progress gradually
- Attend all physiotherapy sessions
What Shouldn’t I Do?
- Do not skip physiotherapy
- Avoid early high-impact activities
- Do not overload the knee
- Avoid rushing recovery
Long-Term Outcomes
With proper physiotherapy:
- Full or near-full strength returns
- Knee stability improves
- Normal movement is restored
- Return to sport is possible
Without rehab:
- Weakness persists
- Risk of re-injury increases
- Poor functional recovery
Why Choose ACE Physio Sports
At ACE Physio Sports, we specialise in post-surgical knee rehabilitation in Singapore.
✔ Structured, phase-based rehab programs ✔ Focus on strength, stability, and function ✔ Sports-specific recovery plans ✔ Long-term injury prevention
If you are recovering from knee surgery, we help you regain strength and confidence safely.
Explore more 👉 https://acephysiosport.com
Book Appointment
If you are looking for patella tendon repair physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports can help.
📞 Call: +65 81535374 🌐 Book online: https://acephysiosport.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I walk without crutches after Patella Tendon Repair?
Most patients transition off crutches within 2–6 weeks, depending on the procedure and weight-bearing restrictions set by your surgeon. Physiotherapy focuses on gait retraining and building quadriceps strength to support the knee safely.
How long will my knee be swollen after Patella Tendon Repair?
Some swelling is normal for 6–12 weeks after knee surgery. Your physiotherapist uses techniques like ice, elevation, compression, and light exercise to manage post-operative effusion and progressively restore range-of-motion.
When can I return to running or sport after Patella Tendon Repair?
Return to sport typically takes 3–12 months depending on the procedure. Your physiotherapist will guide a progressive return programme, ensuring adequate strength, stability, and psychological readiness before full activity is cleared.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
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