Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendinitis

Is a sharp, stabbing pain just below your kneecap stopping you from jumping, running, or even walking down stairs?

Our specialist clinic in Richmond, London provides advanced focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) for patellar tendinitis, helping athletes and active individuals across the UK return to the sports and activities they love without the need for surgery or painful injections.

Patellar tendinitis, or jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury affecting the tendon that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia). It is particularly common in sports involving frequent jumping, running, or sudden movements. In chronic cases, the condition may progress to a patellar tendinopathy.

Based on both clinical experience and published research, we use focused shockwave therapy to help reduce pain and support tendon rehabilitation for this condition. [Source: PubMed Jumper's Knee 2022]

Book your free phone consultation today to see if this treatment is right for you.

How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT

What is Patellar Tendinitis?

The patellar tendon acts like a spring, absorbing and releasing energy during movement. When overloaded, small micro-tears develop, often near the base of the kneecap. Over time, these tears can lead to a thickened tendon that lacks its original strength and elasticity.

Because the injury is often located deep within the tendon or at the point where it meets the bone, reaching it effectively requires a precise approach. High-energy focused shockwave allows us to deliver energy directly to the damaged tissue.

Differential Diagnosis: Identifying Frontal Knee Pain

Pain just below the kneecap can be confused with:

Meniscus Tear: Pain usually felt on the seam of the joint (inner or outer) rather than directly in the centre.
Bursitis: Swelling of the pre-patellar bursa (kneecap) which feels more superficial.

Not sure which condition is causing you pain and would like some advice?

Book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.

See all conditions we treat to learn how fSWT can help.

How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Patellar Tendinitis

Reduces pain
Reduces inflammation
Promotes healing and tissue regeneration
Breaks down calcification

Learn more about shockwave therapy and the difference between focused and radial shockwave therapy.

Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.

Treatment Protocol for Patellar Tendinitis

With extensive experience treating patellar tendinitis for clients in Richmond, throughout London, and nationwide, we tailor every treatment plan to your symptoms and recovery goals.

Typical Course

Starts with 5–8 sessions, usually once per week.
The exact number of sessions will depend on the severity of your condition and response to treatment.

Intensity And Frequency

Shockwave intensity and frequency are adjusted to your pain tolerance and the characteristics of the tendinitis or tendinopathy.

Minimal Downtime

Most clients can continue normal activities immediately.
Reduction in high-impact activity is advised during the first few sessions of the treatment plan.

Post-Treatment Sensation

Mild soreness or swelling may occur, usually resolving within a few days.

Each treatment plan is tailored to your condition. Learn more about what to expect from focused shockwave therapy and view a full breakdown of clinic fees on our prices page.

Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendinitis

Accelerated Healing

By promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation, focused shockwave therapy can speed up the healing process and provide longer-lasting relief compared to traditional treatments.

No Weakening of the Tendon

Unlike steroid injections, which can weaken tendon tissue, shockwave therapy is a regenerative process that builds structural integrity.

Precision Targeting

Our shockwave technology ensures the energy is focused at the exact area where the tendon is damaged.

Effective for Chronic Cases

Highly successful even for those who have suffered with this condition for years.

When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendinitis

Pain during stairs

If walking down steps or squatting causes a sharp ache under the kneecap.

Post-exercise stiffness

If your knee feels locked or incredibly stiff after activity.

Point tenderness

If pressing the area just below your kneecap feels acutely painful.

Traditional treatments ineffective

If eccentric loading and stretching haven't fully resolved the pain.

Early intervention with focused shockwave therapy can promote tissue healing and reduce pain in the patellar tendon, helping to prevent chronic tendon damage.

FAQs –Patellar Tendinitis & Focused Shockwave Therapy

Q: Can I keep training while having shockwave for my knee?

A: We usually advise a relative rest period. You can stay active, but we may suggest avoiding high-impact jumping or heavy squatting for a few weeks to allow the tendon to respond to the regenerative process.

Q: Is the treatment painful on the kneecap?

A: You will feel a deep pulsing sensation. Because we use focused technology with acoustic soundwaves, we avoid hitting the bone directly, making the treatment much more comfortable than radial shockwave therapy which uses percussive pressure waves.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: For the patellar tendon, we typically recommend at least 5 to 8 sessions to ensure the tendon has undergone a full repair cycle.

For more answers to common questions, see our FAQs page

No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.

Patellar Testimonial

Our Specialist Focused Shockwave Clinic

Be Vibrant Physio is a leading UK provider of advanced Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (F-ESWT).

Based in Richmond, London, our clinic is a specialist hub equipped with world-class Storz Medical technology.

We routinely welcome clients from across Greater London, the UK, and international visitors seeking expert clinical protocols.

Situated a short walk from Richmond Station, we are easily accessible via the District Line, Overground, and National Rail, with 90 minutes of complimentary parking available nearby.

Super attentive service, and miracle result!

After 2.5 years of problems with my collarbone, the shockwaves helped me immensely. Nim was great and very professional throughout - before and after pics!

Hamstring tendinopathy

I was unable to play tennis due to hamstring tendinopathy for many months and it did not improve until I had a course of shockwave treatments which have been very successful. Nim is very pleasant and is genuinely interested and enthusiastic about seeing an improvement in your condition. She is very knowledgeable and information and advice she gives is always based on up to date research.

Healing long-standing sports injuries

I was recommended focused shockwave therapy for a hamstring tendinopathy that had not been resolved through traditional physio. I found Nim, and her treatment has been excellent. After years of pain, I am delighted with the results. She is so knowledgeable and I've learnt a lot from her. How I approach sports training has changed forever for the good! She is also a lovely and interesting person to talk to: I always learned something new in each treatment session.

Finally someone who cares about healing.

It’s difficult to know where to start but I found Nim after hearing a podcast about shockwave therapy, Google led me there and my first meeting with her gave me the reassurance to give her a go.
I suffered a spinal fracture nearly ten years ago, recurring sciatica, lower back pain, daily aches and stiffness. A diagnosis of arthritis and years of chiropractors, osteo’s, physio’s and rheumatologists.
Nim took one look at me and noticed my pelvic twist, my imbalance caused from years of compensating for pain. Coupled with focused shockwave to repair the damage that never properly healed and targeted stretches, nothing rocket science or hard to fit in to a busy schedule. Now I am pain free for the first time that I can remember, my mobility has returned and the ‘arthritis’ gone.
Thankyou Nim, you are a true healer and proof that there is help out there if you are strong and willing enough to refuse a lifelong diagnosis and find the help you need. 11 stars from me.

Rotator cuff issues

I was told how good Nim was by another satisfied client which was why I decided to finally tackle a decades old problem - a horrible crunchy rotator cuff which was limiting my arm movement. The shockwave therapy really works and Nim is both very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, supporting the therapy with a programme of exercises to do at home. I've got far more movement in my shoulder now, thanks to Nim!

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