Is your child's knee pain stopping them from enjoying sport?

If your child or teenager has pain just below the kneecap during running, jumping or kicking, they may be experiencing Sindling-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome (SLJ). This is a common overuse condition affecting active adolescents during periods of rapid growth.

At Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, we regularly assess young people with sports-related knee pain from across Belconnen, Bruce, Kaleen, Macquarie, Hawker and the wider Canberra region. Early assessment can help identify the cause of knee pain and guide an appropriate rehabilitation program.

What is Sindling-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome?

Sindling-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome is an irritation of the growth plate at the lower part of the kneecap (patella), where the patellar tendon attaches. It most commonly affects children between the ages of 10 and 14 who participate in sports involving frequent jumping, sprinting and kicking.

Unlike a sudden traumatic injury, SLJ usually develops gradually due to repeated stress on the growing knee.

What causes Sindling-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome?

During adolescence, bones often grow faster than muscles and tendons can adapt. This can increase tension through the patellar tendon, particularly during sporting activities.

Common contributing factors include:

• Rapid growth spurts

• Repetitive jumping or running

• Sudden increases in training volume

• Tight quadriceps or hamstring muscles

• Reduced hip or leg strength

• Poor movement mechanics during sport

Many young athletes continue playing through discomfort until the symptoms become difficult to ignore.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms commonly include:

• Pain at the bottom of the kneecap

• Tenderness when pressing below the patella

• Pain during jumping, sprinting or kicking

• Discomfort when climbing stairs

• Pain that improves with rest but returns during activity

• Mild swelling around the lower kneecap

Symptoms are often worse after training or competition.

How is Sindling-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome diagnosed?

A physiotherapist can usually diagnose SLJ through a detailed assessment of symptoms, sporting history and physical examination.

Imaging is not always necessary but may be recommended by your GP or medical practitioner if symptoms are severe, persistent or if another condition needs to be excluded.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, improve function and support a gradual return to sport.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Education about activity modification

• Advice on managing training loads

• Exercises to improve lower limb strength

• Hip and core strengthening

• Flexibility exercises where appropriate

• Balance and movement retraining

• Progressive return-to-running and jumping programs

• Guidance for returning safely to sport

Every rehabilitation program is tailored to the individual's age, symptoms, sporting demands and goals.

Should my child stop playing sport?

Not necessarily.

Many children can continue participating in modified training depending on their symptoms. Complete rest is not always required, but continuing high-intensity activity despite increasing pain may delay recovery.

A physiotherapist can help determine appropriate activity levels while symptoms settle.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies between individuals.

Some young athletes improve within several weeks, while others require a longer rehabilitation period depending on symptom severity, growth stage and sporting demands.

Following an individualised exercise program and gradually increasing activity often supports recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sindling-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome serious?

It is generally considered a self-limiting growth-related condition. While it can be painful, most adolescents improve with appropriate management as they mature.

Can adults develop Sindling-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome?

No. This condition affects growing bones and is almost exclusively seen in children and adolescents.

Is it the same as Osgood-Schlatter disease?

No. Although both conditions involve growth plates around the knee, Osgood-Schlatter disease affects the attachment of the patellar tendon to the shinbone, whereas SLJ affects the attachment beneath the kneecap.

Can physiotherapy help reduce knee pain?

Physiotherapy may help manage symptoms, improve strength and flexibility, optimise movement patterns and guide a safe return to physical activity. The most appropriate treatment depends on the individual's assessment findings.

When should you seek physiotherapy?

Consider arranging an assessment if your child has:

• Knee pain lasting more than one to two weeks

• Pain affecting sport or school activities

• Swelling or increasing discomfort

• Pain that repeatedly returns after exercise

• Difficulty running, jumping or squatting

Early assessment can help identify contributing factors and provide advice on appropriate management.

Physiotherapy for Children's Knee Pain in Canberra

At Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, we enjoy helping active children and teenagers manage sports-related knee pain through evidence-informed assessment, education and rehabilitation.

If your child has persistent pain below the kneecap during sport, our physiotherapists can assess the condition, discuss suitable management options and develop an individualised rehabilitation plan.

To book an appointment, contact Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic on (02) 6251 3487. We're proud to support families throughout Belconnen and the greater Canberra region with personalised physiotherapy care.

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