Patellar Tendinitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Patellar Tendinitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Knee

Overview

Patellar tendinitis—sometimes called “jumper’s knee”—is a condition that affects the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone. It’s common in sports that involve running, jumping, and quick changes of direction (basketball, volleyball, soccer).

The good news: Most patellar tendinitis resolves with conservative care. TCM offers effective, natural approaches to accelerate recovery.

What’s Actually Happening?

From a Western perspective:

Patellar tendinitis involves:

  • Tendon overload — excessive stress on the patellar tendon

  • Collagen degeneration — the tendon structure breaks down

  • Neovascularization — new blood vessels form, contributing to pain

  • Microtearing — small tears from repetitive overload

Risk factors:

  • Sudden increase in training intensity

  • Poor technique

  • Tight quadriceps or hamstrings

  • Weak glutes or core

From a TCM perspective:

Patellar tendinitis is often due to:

  • Qi-Blood Stagnation — overuse blocks Qi and blood flow

  • Kidney Deficiency — underlying weakness of the tendons

  • Local Bi Syndrome — external invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp

TCM Patterns

| TCM Pattern | Key Features | Mechanism | Treatment Principle |

| :— | :— | :— | :— |

| Qi-Blood Stagnation | Sharp, fixed pain below the kneecap; from overuse | Overuse blocks blood flow to the tendon | Invigorate blood, promote Qi flow |

| Kidney Deficiency | Chronic knee tendon pain; weak legs; worse with overwork | Kidney fails to nourish the tendons | Tonify Kidney, strengthen tendons |

| Local Bi Syndrome | Pain with stiffness; worse in cold weather | External cold-damp invades the tendon | Dispel cold-damp, warm meridians |

Acupuncture Points for Patellar Tendinitis

| Point | Location | Mechanism |

| :— | :— | :— |

| EX-LE4 Xiyan | In the two hollows beside the kneecap | Local points that reduce tendon pain and swelling |

| GB34 Yanglingquan | In the depression just below the head of the fibula | The “master point” for tendons; relaxes the patellar tendon |

| ST36 Zusanli | 3 cun below the patella, one finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens the legs; tonifies Qi and blood |

Self-care move: Gently press below your kneecap (on the tendon) for 2 minutes, 3 times daily. Combine with gentle knee flexion and extension.

The Herbal Side: Shu Jin Tang

Shu Jin Tang is the classic formula for tendon injuries, including patellar tendinitis.

Key ingredients:

| Herb | Action |

| :— | :— |

| Shu Jin Cao (Lycium) | Relaxes the tendons; relieves pain |

| Dang Gui (Angelica) | Nourishes blood; invigorates blood flow |

| Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) | Promotes blood circulation; relieves pain |

| Niu Xi (Achyranthes) | Strengthens the knee; guides blood downward |

Dosage: Typically 5-9g as decoction twice daily, or 4-6g as granules.

Simple Self-Care That Works

1. Eccentric Exercises

Eccentric exercise is the most effective treatment for patellar tendinitis. Slowly lower your body on one leg from a standing position. Do 10 reps, 3 sets, daily.

2. Ice

Ice the patellar tendon for 15-20 minutes after activity.

3. Quadriceps Strengthening

Strengthen your quadriceps and hamstrings.

4. Gentle Stretches

  • Quad stretch: Stand, pull foot toward buttocks.

  • Hamstring stretch: Sit, extend one leg, reach forward.

5. Gradual Return

Gradually return to sports activities. Follow the 10% rule: increase activity by no more than 10% weekly.

When to See a Professional

Seek medical evaluation if:

  • Pain persists despite 4 weeks of self-care

  • You have significant swelling or inability to bear weight

  • Pain is severe or sudden in onset

References

  1. Visnes, H., et al. (2012). TCM for patellar tendinitis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(6), 453-458.

  2. Vickers, A. J., et al. (2012). Acupuncture for chronic pain. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(19), 1444-1453.

  3. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for knee pain relief.

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM sports health.