Injuries to the knees can be frequent, and tendonitis is one of the most common conditions. It occurs when there is inflammation, irritation, or a tear of the tendon in the knees.

Patellar tendonitis is also called patellar tendinopathy or jumper’s knee. It’s common in athletes because of the constant strains on the knee tendons but can also happen to anyone.

Any large or small tear to the patellar tendons can result in swelling, limited mobility, pain, and reduced functionality.

Typical treatments for alleviating patellar tendonitis can include:

  • Ice and rest
  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammation medicine
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

For larger tears, patients might even require surgery.

However, with the innovation of shockwave therapy, healthcare practitioners are given a more effective option of treating knee tendinopathy using a non-invasive, drug-free method for the long-term well-being of patients.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Treat Knee Tendinopathy?

Shockwave therapy relies on transmitting acoustic sound waves to an injury site or treatment area.

The sound waves help stimulate blood flow throughout the knee area, which helps reduce any swelling or pain to the injury.

It promotes cell growth and collagen synthesis to repair any tears in the tendons to restore mobility and functionality in the area.

Shockwave therapy for knee tendonitis doesn’t rely on any drugs or medication to deliver treatment, and patients aren’t subject to invasive procedures like surgery.

Shockwave therapy relies on palpations to identify the treatment area and works to accelerate the natural healing ability.

Patients receiving shockwave therapy might experience some bruising or pain in the treatment area because of the pressure waves, but there are no long-term side effects.

Scientific Evidence of Shockwave Therapy for Knee Tendinopathy

A study published on NCBI looked at the efficacy of shockwave therapy for knee tendinopathies and other soft tissue disorders in a series of randomized controlled trials.

Of the nineteen trials included in this publishing, shockwave therapy had significant effects on the treatment success rate. When radial shockwave therapy was applied for long periods (more than one month), participants experienced significant pain reduction and increased mobility.

In a randomized controlled trial published on BMC, shockwave therapy for athletes with patellar tendinopathy was examined.

Athletes were measured against a visual analogue scale that measures pain during daily activities and sports, and there were follow-ups at 1, 12, and 22 weeks after treatment. Results showed that shockwave therapy was effective in patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy in reducing pain and improving performance.

Compared to other treatment methods for knee tendinopathies, shockwave therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and effective. Many healthcare practitioners can use shockwave therapy to treat their patients without the need for surgery or long-term side effects.

To learn about how you can incorporate the long-term benefits of shockwave therapy into your practice, contact us today by calling 1 (888) 741-SHOC(7462) or visit our website.