What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Patellar tendinopathy (Sometimes known as jumpers knee) is a common soft tissue injury which can cause pain in the tendon below the knee cap (patella). The patellar tendon is important as it joins the thigh muscles (quadriceps) to the shin bone via the patella.
You may be more likely to have the condition if:
- Repeated stress on the patellar tendon
- Overweight individuals
- A sudden increase in body weight
- Tightness of leg muscles
- Weakness in thigh muscles
- Changing activity levels or progressing too quickly
- Inappropriate footwear
- Exercising on hard surfaces
What are the symptoms of Patella Tendinopathy?
Symptoms normally appear gradually, but can also develop after a bump to the knee. Pain and tenderness are the most common symptoms, localised to the front of the knee. Some people can experience tightness or weakness in leg muscles (quadriceps).Stiffness in the knee can often occur– especially in the morning. Some people can also have mild swelling around the knee
How can Shockwave Therapy help?
Shockwave Therapy uses a machine to deliver low energy sound waves through your skin to the injury point. It is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for Patella Tendinopathy and has been shown to accelerate healing and reduce pain for patients.
How does it work?
- Increases blood flow to the surrounding tissues
- Triggers healing processes caused by Stem Cells
- Reduces the action of certain nerve fibres, thus lowering pain
Are there any risks?
- Following the treatment, you may experience redness, bruising, swelling and numbness to the area. These side effects should resolve within a week and before your next treatment.
- There is a small risk of tendon rupture or ligament rupture and damage to the soft tissue. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have deemed this procedure to be safe. For this reason, every patient will be monitored before and after the treatments to discover how successful the outcome is.
- Studies have shown there is UP to 80% chance that it will be effective.
For more information on how shockwave works & studies showing its' effectiveness as a treatment visit the EMS website:
https://www.ems-dolorclast.com/radial-shock-wave-therapy
https://www.ems-dolorclast.com/studies-library