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While Sinding-Larsen-Johansson (SLJ) syndrome normally runs its course naturally as bones reach full development, often it is necessary to take time off from physical activities to speed healing. The severity of your symptoms will determine how much you need to limit yourself. For example, if you experience some pain after playing sports but the pain goes away within 24 hours, it is probably OK to continue your normal routine. However, if your symptoms worsen, it is probably a good idea to take a rest from the activity that led to them. The goal is to decrease the stress on your knees and lower legs, which means that even if you are not playing sports, you should try to avoid strenuous activities that require deep knee bending, such as jumping. Total curtailment of sports and physical activity is not recommended, however, as this can gradually weaken your leg muscles and increase the chance of injury once you return to more strenuous physical activity.

If you have taken time off from physical activity during treatment for Sinding-Larsen-Johansson (SLJ) syndrome, your rehabilitation is crucial to restoring leg strength and flexibility as well as preventing your condition from worsening. Stretching is particularly important because what often happens during a growth spurt is that the quadriceps have not increased their flexibility in relation to the lengthening of the bone. Strengthening should focus on the quadriceps and hamstrings, and can include exercises such as straight-leg raises, wall slides, leg curls, and quadriceps contractions. These exercises can be done at home or under the supervision of a physical therapist. It is important to remember to go slowly and not to push yourself to the point where you feel pain. It is preferable to do more repetitions of each exercise rather than fewer repetitions with higher resistance. Exercises may be necessary for the entire length of time of the growth spurt in order to prevent recurrence. It may help to apply heat to the affected area for about 15 minutes before exercising or sports, to loosen up your muscles and tendons. After you finish, icing your knee and keeping it elevated can decrease pain and inflammation.

It is probably unrealistic to expect to prevent Sinding-Larsen-Johansson (SLJ) syndrome, simply because it is related to natural growth spurts. But you can take steps to minimize its effects. Exercises that strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings, such as straight-leg raises and leg curls, can prevent the condition from worsening. Avoiding overuse is important, as is modifying the specific activity. In soccer, for instance, if you are taking all the free kicks, you may have to relinquish that role for a while. If you play an outside position, you could be moved to an inside position to lessen the amount of running required. If you are a gymnast who has developed SLJ from repetitive jumping, for example, you may have to modify or stop using dismounts in the early, acute phase of the disease. Occasionally, an athlete may have a foot problem that can contribute to SLJ. In this instance, custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) may be effective in decreasing stress on the knee and lower leg. See your doctor for a complete evaluation.