What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition caused by the breakdown of articular cartilage, changes in the underlying bone, and inflammation of surrounding tissues. It’s the most common form of arthritis in the knee, and a leading cause of mobility issues worldwide.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain during walking or weight-bearing
- Joint stiffness, especially after rest
- Swelling and inflammation
- Reduced range of motion
- Muscle weakness around the joint
OA is commonly linked to ageing, obesity, past joint injuries, and genetic predisposition.
Why Is Knee Osteoarthritis So Challenging to Treat?
- Structural damage to cartilage and bone is usually irreversible
- Pain comes from multiple sources — cartilage, bone, ligaments, and the synovium
- Medications like NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections offer temporary relief
- Surgery (e.g., total knee replacement) is invasive, costly, and comes with a long recovery
- Physiotherapy helps, but pain often limits how much patients can engage, creating a cycle of decline
How Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses mechanical pulses to stimulate healing in soft tissues and joints. For knee OA, it may:
- Desensitise pain receptors (nociceptors)
- Stimulate chondrocyte activity and cartilage preservation
- Improve blood flow to periarticular structures
- Enhance the function of the surrounding tendons and ligaments
These effects are mediated through mechanotransduction — the process where mechanical signals trigger beneficial biochemical responses in tissue.
What Does the Research Say?
Wang et al. (2007, Journal of Orthopaedic Research)
30 patients with mild to moderate knee OA received shockwave therapy vs placebo.
→ Results: Significant reduction in pain (VAS scores) and improved joint function at 6-month follow-up.
Sahin et al. (2017, Medical Principles and Practice)
Randomised controlled trial comparing ESWT + exercise to exercise alone.
→ Results: The ESWT group experienced greater improvements in pain, mobility, and walking distance.
Hsu et al. (2020, International Journal of Surgery)
Systematic review of 13 RCTs evaluating ESWT for knee OA.
→ Results: Focused shockwave therapy was found effective in improving pain and function compared to conservative treatments alone.
Emerging studies suggest that shockwave may also have a protective effect on cartilage, but further long-term studies are needed to confirm this.
Chiropractors in Sydney Clinical Perspective
At Tensegrity Sports Clinics, we recommend shockwave therapy for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who:
- Have ongoing pain despite rehab and medications
- Want to delay or avoid surgery
- Are you struggling with exercise due to pain
- Need to return to daily activities, work, or sport faster
We don’t use shockwave therapy in isolation — it’s most effective when paired with:
- Quadriceps and gluteal strengthening
- Joint mobilisation techniques
- Neuromuscular control exercises
- Lifestyle guidance, including weight management (where appropriate)
Treatment Plan & What to Expect
| Phase | Details |
| Sessions | 1 per week for 4–6 weeks |
| Session Duration | 15–20 minutes of shockwave + targeted rehab |
| Early Improvements | Reduced pain and improved mobility after 2–3 visits |
| By 6–8 Weeks | Noticeable changes in gait, swelling, and function |
| Full Course | Typically 6–8 sessions, followed by review at 8–12 weeks |
Recovery Timeline
- 2–4 weeks: Less pain with standing, walking, or stairs
- 6–8 weeks: Improved function and activity tolerance
- 3–6 months: Enhanced strength and joint support through ongoing rehab
Shockwave therapy isn’t a cure, but when used early and combined with the right rehab plan, it can significantly reduce symptoms and support long-term joint health.
When Should You Consider Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy may be right for you if:
- You’ve tried physio or medications without lasting relief
- You’re not ready or suitable for knee surgery
- You want to stay active and avoid long recovery times
- You’re looking for a research-supported, non-drug treatment for OA
Final Thoughts
Knee osteoarthritis doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right treatment approach, you can keep moving, working, and living with less pain and more freedom.
Shockwave therapy is emerging as a powerful tool to complement your rehab and help you stay in control of your joint health.
Book Your Shockwave Consultation
If you’re ready to explore shockwave therapy for knee osteoarthritis:
Call Tensegrity Sports Clinics, the leading chiropractors in Sydney or book online at www.tensegrity.com.au
Take the first step toward moving pain-free again.