What Is Patellar Tendinopathy?
Patellar tendinopathy — often called jumper’s knee — is a chronic overuse injury affecting the patellar tendon, which connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia).
It’s most common in:
- Basketball, volleyball, and soccer players
- Athletes who perform frequent jumping, sprinting, or weightlifting
- Individuals doing plyometric or high-intensity leg training
Key symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness just below the kneecap
- Discomfort with squatting, jumping, or stairs
- Stiffness after rest or inactivity
Why Is Patellar Tendinopathy So Difficult to Treat?
- The patellar tendon absorbs extremely high loads, especially in explosive movements
- Rest alone leads to tendon deconditioning, not healing
- Tendinopathy involves collagen fibre breakdown, not inflammation — so anti-inflammatories are rarely effective
- Without proper loading and rehab, recurrence rates are high
How Shockwave Therapy Helps Patellar Tendinopathy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates biological repair in degenerated tendons. It works by:
- Promoting collagen production and tendon matrix remodelling
- Stimulating neovascularisation (new blood vessel formation)
- Reducing pain mediators like Substance P
- Enhancing mechanotransduction, helping the tendon respond better to load
Shockwave doesn’t replace loading — it enhances the tendon’s ability to respond to rehab and recover faster.
What Does the Research Say?
Zwerver et al. (2011, Am J Sports Med)
RCT combining ESWT with eccentric loading for chronic jumper’s knee.
→ Result: Significant improvements in pain and function in the combined group.
van Leeuwen et al. (2009, Br J Sports Med)
Review article concluded that ESWT is a promising adjunct for chronic patellar tendinopathy, especially when conservative treatment has failed.
Wang et al. (2007)
Animal study showed improved collagen fibre alignment and tendon healing after shockwave application.
→ Note: While preclinical, this supports the biological mechanisms of shockwave therapy.
Tensegrity’s Sydney Chiro’s Clinical Perspective
At Tensegrity Sports Clinics, our Sydney chiros, use shockwave therapy when:
- Patellar tendon pain persists for more than 6 weeks
- Athletes haven’t responded to loading exercises alone
- Imaging (e.g. ultrasound) shows tendinosis without full tear
Our rehab protocol combines:
- Radial shockwave therapy to the painful tendon region (typically mid-substance or inferior pole)
- Eccentric-concentric strengthening, such as decline squats at 25–30°
- Isometric knee extension holds to manage pain and maintain quad strength
- Movement analysis to identify and correct biomechanical issues in squatting, jumping, or landing
Treatment Schedule & What to Expect
| Phase | What to Expect |
| Sessions | 1 per week for 4–6 weeks |
| Duration | 10–15 minutes of shockwave + rehab guidance per session |
| Initial Response | Reduced tenderness and easier squatting in 3–4 sessions |
| Cumulative Effects | Return to light plyometric drills by 8–10 weeks |
| Full Program | Typically 6 sessions with progressive loading and follow-up |
Recovery Timeline
- 3–4 weeks: Pain improves with stairs, squats, and gym sessions
- 6–10 weeks: Resuming low-level jumping and landing drills
- 3–6 months: Return to full training or competition without pain
Tendon symptoms may improve quickly, but continued loading is essential to avoid re-injury.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy may be right for you if:
- You’ve had patellar tendon pain for over 6 weeks
- Conservative care hasn’t progressed your rehab
- You want to stimulate true tendon healing, not just mask symptoms
- You’re committed to a structured rehab plan
Final Thoughts
Patellar tendinopathy can sideline even the most dedicated athletes. But with the right treatment — including shockwave therapy and targeted rehab — you can rebuild tendon strength and return to sport stronger than before.
Book Your Shockwave Consultation
Ready to get back to jumping, sprinting, and competing — without hesitation?
Call Tensegrity Sports Clinics or book online at www.tensegrity.com.au Empower your comeback with expert care.