Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health

Progressive Rehabilitation and Return to Play Following Patellar Tendon Rupture in a 31 Year Old Recreational Basketball Player: A Detailed Case Report Emphasizing Exercise Progressions

Abstract

Brian Serrano

Patellar tendon rupture is a debilitating injury requiring a structured and progressive rehabilitation approach to restore highlevel function. This case report describes the rehabilitation of a 31-year-old male recreational basketball player following surgical repair of a patellar tendon rupture. The rehabilitation program emphasized criterion-based progression, detailed exercise prescription, and integration of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), blood flow restriction (BFR), and manual therapy. It was seen that this multi-modal approach could lead to increased patient reported outcomes. The patient progressed from immobilization to full return to unrestricted basketball participation over 12 months total. This report provides granular exercise progressions, loading parameters, and return-to-play benchmarks to guide clinicians managing similar high-demand athletes.

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