As doctors and medical professionals, you are likely to encounter patients who are runners and jumpers. However, patellar tendinopathy is a condition that affects men between the ages of 15 and 30. Interestingly, athletes and runners are at a higher risk of being affected by patellar tendinopathy at least once in their lifetime.
Patellar tendonitis, also known as “jumper’s knee,” is a condition that leads to the inflammation of a tissue band that connects your kneecap to your shinbone. Many traditional approaches suggest taking a break to give the knee the time to heal, which can be a heavy risk and a time-consuming option, especially for individuals highly engaged in athletic activity.
Scientific Evidence
A study, “Treatment of Patellar Tendinopathy with Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy,” published in 2003, discussed the importance of shockwave therapy for treating patellar tendinopathy. The research involved a randomized controlled trial with 20 males and females aged between 23 to 52. Ten of them received active shockwave therapy, while the other ten received a placebo treatment using an energy-absorbing pad. Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) test, a vertical jump test, and ultrasound imaging were used to assess the effectiveness of the results. A great improvement in the VISA score and vertical jump score was observed in the shockwave group, with an overall decrease in pain and an increase in function.
Another study, “Extracorporeal Shockwave for Chronic Patellar Tendinopathy,” published in 2007, discussed the importance of shockwave therapy compared to traditional treatments for chronic patellar tendinopathy. The research involved a randomized controlled clinical trial with 27 patients (30 knees) in the study group. The other group, known as the control group, was treated with traditional measures such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, exercise, and knee straps. Results from the 2- to 3-year follow-up showed that shockwave therapy is an effective and safe treatment for chronic patellar tendinopathy, with no reported complications.
The Power of Shockwaves in Treating Patellar Tendinopathy, Specifically Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis may be a common deformity, but many athletes and dancers suffer from this issue. The traditional approach to recovery was often through surgery. But now, having shockwave as a treatment modality is highly beneficial for runners and jumpers who wish to recover quickly and restore their athletic stamina.
Try out shockwave therapy for patellar tendonitis for yourself. Shockwave Canada is an authorized distributor of Storz shockwave therapy machines in Canada. This can add huge value to your clinic and get patients back to health sooner.
