Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)

Patellar tendinopathy, commonly known as jumper’s knee, is a painful overuse injury affecting the tendon just below the kneecap. It is frequently seen in athletes involved in jumping, running, and change-of-direction sports such as basketball, volleyball, football, and CrossFit.

When pain becomes persistent and limits training or sport participation, shockwave therapy is a proven, non-invasive treatment that can help stimulate tendon healing and reduce pain.

What Is Patellar Tendinopathy?

Patellar tendinopathy is a degenerative tendon condition, not an inflammatory problem. Repeated loading causes microscopic tendon damage, leading to reduced tendon strength and pain over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain at the bottom of the kneecap

• Pain during jumping, squatting, running, or stairs

• Stiffness at the start of activity

• Reduced power and athletic performance

• Pain that worsens with increased training load

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy (Extrorporeal Shockwave Therapy – ESWT) uses high-energy acoustic waves delivered directly to the affected tendon. These shockwaves stimulate biological healing processes within the tendon.

Shockwave therapy is widely used in sports medicine for chronic tendon conditions, including patellar tendinopathy.

How Shockwave Therapy Helps Jumper’s Knee

Shockwave therapy targets the underlying tendon pathology rather than just masking pain. Benefits include:

• Stimulates collagen production and tendon regeneration

• Increases local blood flow

• Reduces pain sensitivity in the tendon

• Breaks down abnormal tendon tissue

• Improves load tolerance and function

Clinical evidence supports shockwave therapy as an effective treatment for chronic patellar tendinopathy, especially when symptoms persist beyond 3 months.

Shockwave Therapy vs Other Treatments

Treatment	Effectiveness for Patellar Tendinopathy
Rest alone	Temporary relief
Anti-inflammatories	Limited benefit
Cortisone injections	Not recommended
Eccentric / heavy slow resistance training	Gold standard
Shockwave therapy	Highly effective adjunct

👉 Best results occur when shockwave therapy is combined with a progressive tendon loading programme prescribed by a physiotherapist.

What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy

• Treatment time: 5–10 minutes per session

• No needles or surgery

• Mild to moderate discomfort during treatment

• Usually 3–6 sessions, spaced weekly

• No downtime — normal activities can continue

Pain reduction and functional improvement typically occur over 6–12 weeks as tendon healing progresses.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

Shockwave therapy may be suitable if you:

• Have persistent jumper’s knee lasting more than 3 months

• Have pain limiting sport or training

• Have tried physiotherapy with limited improvement

• Want to avoid injections or surgery

It may not be suitable if you have:

• Acute tendon rupture

• Severe knee arthritis

• Bleeding disorders

A physiotherapy assessment is essential to confirm suitability.

Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendinopathy in Auckland

At our clinic, shockwave therapy is delivered by experienced physiotherapists and integrated with sport-specific rehabilitation programmes to restore strength, power, and confidence.

If knee pain is preventing you from training or competing, shockwave therapy may help you return to sport safely and sooner.

👉 Book an assessment today to see if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your knee condition.