Patellar tendinitis
Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, occurs when the tissue of the patellar tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, often due to overuse, particularly among athletes in their prime. The condition can lead to varying degrees of knee pain, which may worsen over time if left untreated. In severe cases, the pain and soreness can become debilitating, affecting athletic performance and potentially hindering participation in physical activities altogether. Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential to manage patellar tendonitis effectively and prevent it from interfering with an individual’s active lifestyle.
Symptoms of patellar tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis is characterized by specific symptoms, including a painful or dull ache at the top of the shinbone, just beneath the kneecap. The condition may also cause stiffness, making it challenging to fully extend the knee. Furthermore, the pain tends to worsen during certain movements, such as squatting or descending stairs. Identifying these signs is crucial for early detection and effective management of patellar tendonitis.
Shockwave therapy for patellar tendonitis
- Shockwave therapy involves the transmission of shock waves through the skin to the injured area of the knee, using a specialized handpiece.
- These shock waves promote increased blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the affected tissue, leading to pain relief and enhanced healing response.
- To achieve the best treatment outcomes, shockwave therapy is complemented with a personalized rehabilitation and strengthening plan. Experienced physiotherapists assess your individual needs and goals to tailor the plan, ensuring optimal results and a successful recovery journey.
Is shockwave therapy effective for patellar tendonitis?
Absolutely. Extensive literature reviews have confirmed that shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment option, especially for those who have not responded to other non-operative treatments or wish to avoid invasive surgery.
Studies have demonstrated significant pain reduction in patients undergoing shockwave therapy. One study with 66 patients (Furia, 2013) reported nearly a 50% decrease in pain after 1 month, and by 3 months, pain levels dropped to just 25% of their initial levels. Improvements in function were also evident, with almost 80% of shockwave-treated patients satisfied with their outcome after 12 months, compared to less than 40% in the control group.
Maffulli(2018) also observed similar positive results following shockwave treatment, with significant improvements in pain, function, and patient satisfaction at the 1, 3, and 12-month marks.
These evidences unequivocally support shockwave therapy as the preferred approach for treating patellar tendinopathy, offering patients an effective and non-invasive solution for their condition.
[1] Furia, J. P., Rompe, J. D., Cacchio, A., Del Buono, A., & Maffulli, N. (2013). A single application of low-energy radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective for the management of chronic patellar tendinopathy. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 21, 346-350.
[2] Maffulli, G., Padulo, J., Iuliano, E., Furia, J., Rompe, J., & Maffulli, N. (2018). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy: the ASSERT database. MLTJ MUSCLES, LIGAMENTS AND TENDONS JOURNAL, 8(3), 437-443.