Stubborn knee pain from patella tendinopathy? Discover how Shockwave Therapy at Physio Three Sixty in Hitchin can help support tendon recovery alongside targeted rehabilitation.
Shockwave Therapy for Patella Tendinopathy
Have you been nursing stubborn knee pain that just won’t shift- despite rest, rehab, and even cutting back on exercise? Patella tendinopathy (or jumper’s knee) is a notoriously tricky condition to treat. As the evidence base for it’s effectiveness has grown, many people are now using hockwave therapy as a treatment option when symptoms do not improve with physiotherapy alone. Whether you're a runner or a busy professional on your feet all day, this blog unpacks how shockwave therapy can help provide relief from ongoing patellar tendon pain.
What Is Patella Tendinopathy
Patella tendinopathy is a condition where the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone becomes degenerative, with a stalled healing process. Pain is characteristically felt at the bottom of the patella and can be aggravated by squatting, lunging, faster running and stairs. It can be painful to touch the tendon where it attaches to the inferior pole of the Patella.
It’s often triggered by overuse, and is common in activities such as:
- Running and cycling
- Change of direction sports like Football, Netball, Hockey, Rugby or Tennis
- CrossFit or HIIT training
- Hiking, particularly with large elevation gain and loss
At Physio Three Sixty, we see a steady stream of clients - especially in their 30s to 50s - struggling with this injury. Many have tried foam rolling, stretching, strengthening or physiotherapy without long-term results.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy uses a machine to deliver mechanical shockwaves to damaged tissue. In doing so it creates an inflammatory reaction which stimulates cells in the body’s to kickstart a healing response in the damaged collagen tissue.
It supports recovery by:
- Increasing blood circulation to the affected area
- Breaking down scar tissue that limits healing
- Reducing nerve sensitivity
- Activating the body’s natural healing response
Shockwave therapy offers an effective, evidence-based adjunct to combine with a targeted rehabilitation program, an alternative to injections or surgery.
You can learn more about Shockwave Therapy here.
Who Benefits Most from Shockwave Therapy?
If you have a diagnosis of Patella Tendinopathy and have had symptoms for 12 weeks or longer, you can be considered for shockwave treatment. The treatment is most effective for longstanding tendon pain.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
1. Initial Assessment
Every course of treatment starts with a full physiotherapy assessment to confirm your diagnosis, and that shockwave is appropriate and there are no contraindications.
2. Treatment Setup
We apply a gel to the area and position the shockwave applicator directly over the painful tendon.
3. Shockwave Application
The machine delivers a series of shockwaves to the tendon. It can feel like deep, rhythmic tapping.
4. Post-Treatment Plan
You may experience mild soreness for 24–48 hours. We’ll guide you through any post-treatment advice and how to integrate it with strength rehab for the best results.
The duration of treatment is typically around 25–30 minutes, with 3-6 treatment sessions required.
Why Physio Three Sixty for Shockwave Therapy in Hitchin?
We’re not just another physio clinic - we specialise in chronic injury recovery and running-related conditions. Here’s why local clients trust us:
- Over 15 years of clinical experience, clinic established in 2015
- Longer appointment times if required
- Strong ties with local sports communities
- Same-week bookings via our online system
We combine manual therapy, rehab planning, and the latest technologies like shockwave therapy to get results.
Book a Physio Assessment OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
Q: Is shockwave therapy safe?
A: Yes. It’s been clinically approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and is now widely used in sports medicine and rehab settings.
Q: How soon will I see results?
A: Some feel improvement after the first or second session; others take a few weeks. Long-term change typically happens over 6-8 weeks.
Q: Can I combine this with strength exercises?
A: Absolutely. In fact, combining shockwave therapy with targeted rehab exercises improves outcomes.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Try Shockwave Therapy?
If you’re tired of managing your knee pain with short-term fixes - or you’ve been told to “just rest” again - it’s time to take a proactive step. Shockwave therapy offers a proven, modern approach to treating patella tendinopathy - especially when supported by expert physio care. Ready to stop managing pain and start solving it? Book a consultation with our expert physiotherapist in Hitchin:
Book a Consultation at Physio Three Sixty
