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.

What are they?

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.

Who uses them?

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.

When to use them

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.