Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendonitis
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for patellar tendonitis (also known as tendinitis), offering pain relief, reduced inflammation, enhanced tissue healing and faster recovery time.
When combined with other physiotherapy modalities such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and activity modification, it provides a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of patellar tendonitis.
This holistic treatment strategy not only helps clients recover more quickly but also reduces the risk of recurrence, enabling them to return to their daily activities, professions, and sports with improved knee function and comfort.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Patellar Tendonitis?
Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is an overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition is common among people who engage in activities that involve repetitive jumping, running, or other high-impact movements. It is characterised by pain, inflammation, and tenderness around the patellar tendon, particularly at its attachment to the patella.
If you think you have patellar tendonitis and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Patellar Tendonitis
- Reduces pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Promotes healing and tissue regeneration
- Breaks down calcification
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 Tendonitis
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for patellar tendonitis usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the condition.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendonitis
Non-Invasive and Safe
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for treating patellar tendonitis, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with invasive procedures.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, which can improve their ability to perform daily activities and engage in sports or exercise with less discomfort.
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.
Improved Tendon Function
As pain decreases and tissue health improves, clients often regain better function and strength in their knee, enabling them to return to their regular activities more confidently.
Reduced Dependence on Medication
Effective pain management through shockwave therapy may decrease the need for pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication, minimising potential side effects.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating patellar tendonitis, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendonitis
Fast recovery
For individuals who need to resume physical activities quickly and cannot afford prolonged downtime.
Degeneration
If imaging investigations (like ultrasound or MRI) reveal degenerative changes in the patellar tendon, such as tendinosis or partial tears.
To avoid surgery
For clients who wish to avoid surgical intervention or who are not candidates for surgery.
Pain restricting function
If pain continues to limit physical activity, particularly in sports or exercise, despite having other treatments.
Persistent symptoms
When patellar tendonitis has persisted for more than 3-6 months despite standard treatments. Chronic tendonitis is often resistant to conventional therapies.
Early intervention with focused shockwave therapy can promote tissue healing and reduce pain in the patellar tendon, helping to prevent chronic tendon damage.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
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.
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!
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!