Patellar Tendinitis - Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Patellar Tendinitis · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Knee

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is the core pattern in patellar tendinitis, characterized by jumper’s knee, sharp fixed pain, and aggravation with jumping. The core pathogenesis is repeated jumping or overuse causing Qi stagnation and Blood stasis in the patellar tendon, leading to tendon microtearing, inflammation, and persistent pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Sharp, stabbing pain in the front of the knee, worse with jumping |

| Associated Symptoms | Fixed location, limited movement, tenderness on palpation |

| Tongue and Pulse | Purple-dark tongue with petechiae, thin white coating, hesitant pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Repeated jumping causing local Qi stagnation and Blood stasis |

| Etiology | Overuse, repetitive jumping, sudden increase in training intensity |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| ST35 Dubi | In the two hollows beside the patella | Local points that reduce knee pain and swelling |

| BL40 Weizhong | Midpoint of the popliteal crease (behind the knee) | He-Sea point of Bladder meridian; treats back and knee pain |

| Ashi points | Tender spots around the patellar tendon | Local blood invigoration and pain relief |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; cupping or pricking at Ashi points may be used to enhance blood stasis resolution.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤)

Composition:

Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di), Niu Xi (Achyranthes)

Action: Invigorates blood, resolves stasis, nourishes blood, and relieves pain.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe pain | Add Ru Xiang, Mo Yao to relieve pain |

| Worse with jumping | Add Niu Xi, Mu Gua to strengthen tendons and unblock collaterals |

| Qi deficiency | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi and invigorate blood |

Western Mechanism Reference

Jumper’s knee with repeated microtrauma, tendon degeneration, and local microcirculatory disturbance. Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis corresponds to patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee), where repeated microtrauma and impaired microcirculation contribute to tendon degeneration and pain.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

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

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