What is Patella Tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy is a condition that can happen when the tendon that joins your kneecap (patella) to your shin bone (tibia) becomes irritated. Your tendon becomes weaker and painful, and is less able to cope with loading, therefore affecting how you walk and exercise. Patellar tendinopathy is sometimes called ‘jumper’s knee’ because the injury often happens during sports that involve jumping, such as basketball, netball or volleyball. You can also get it if you run, particularly if you’re a downhill runner.
How Can Patella Tendinopathy Be Treated?
Conservative treatment and pain management is the first option which includes rest, applying ice, pain relieving anti-inflammatory medication and support devices. Physiotherapy treatment will incorporate hands on treatment with eccentric loading of the thigh (quadricep) muscles. This is where the muscle will be working whilst being put on a stretch. Conservative treatment is however less beneficial when the pain has become more chronic and the tendon becomes stiff and less responsive to lengthening exercise. General opinion within research suggests that around 25% of patients with chronic painful conditions will not gain beneficial effects from conservative treatment. Shockwave therapy is great if you are not responding to conservative treatment.
Is Shockwave effective at treating Patellar Tendinopathy?
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment modality for patella tendinopathy. A review of the literature shows that shockwave is a safe and effective treatment for patellar tendinopathy, particularly in those for whom other non-operative treatments have failed, as well as those who are looking to avoid an operation. Follow up results 12 months post shockwave treatment found 80% of patients reported positive outcomes compared to patients receiving no treatment. It has been shown to reduce pain by 50% within one month of treatment with a following 25% reduction by three months. As well as performing admirably when compared to usual care, shockwave therapy also performs well when compared to surgery. A recent study found comparable functional outcomes for shockwave treatment and surgery. With shockwave being a non-invasive treatment, it avoids the risks of having a surgical procedure and has consistently been shown to be incredibly safe.
If you are struggling with pain around your kneecap and finding it difficult to put weight through your knee then please enquire today about receiving shockwave treatment.
To book your shockwave appointments with Physio-logical, based in Rowlands Castle, Hampshire then please book online, call 023 9435 0270 or email us at enquiries@physio-logical.net. Research suggests 6 sessions are optimum at intervals of 5-10 days between appointments.
