Focused Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendinopathy – Sunshine Coast

​Understanding Patellar Tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy, commonly called jumper's knee, affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone.

It frequently occurs in people who participate in running, jumping, football, basketball and other activities involving repetitive knee loading.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain just below the kneecap

• Discomfort during jumping, running or squatting

• Stiffness after activity or prolonged sitting

• Tenderness over the patellar tendon

• Reduced sporting performance

Symptoms may become persistent when the tendon is repeatedly exposed to more load than it can tolerate.

​

How Can Focused Shockwave Therapy Help?

Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fESWT) delivers acoustic pulses to selected tissue regions, including the patellar tendon.

It has been investigated as a treatment for persistent tendinopathy, with possible benefits for pain and function in some patients.

However, research findings are mixed, and shockwave therapy is not established as superior to a structured exercise rehabilitation program.

At Shockwave Therapy Centre, we consider focused shockwave therapy as a possible additional treatment, rather than a replacement for progressive strengthening and appropriate load management.

​

Who May Benefit from an Assessment?

Patients with persistent patellar tendon pain, particularly those who have not improved sufficiently with physiotherapy, exercise modification and progressive strengthening, may be suitable for assessment.

Other causes of anterior knee pain should be considered before treatment.

​

What Happens During Treatment?

Following an assessment, a specialised applicator delivers focused acoustic pulses to the selected tendon region.

Treatment is non-invasive and does not usually require anaesthetic. Temporary tenderness, discomfort, redness or bruising may occur.

Your clinician will discuss the proposed treatment schedule and rehabilitation plan.

​

Frequently Asked Questions

Can shockwave therapy help jumper's knee?

It may be considered for selected persistent cases, but evidence remains mixed. Exercise-based rehabilitation remains central to treatment.

​

Can I continue exercising?

Activity is adjusted according to pain, tendon loading and individual rehabilitation goals.

​

How many treatments will I need?

There is no universally established treatment schedule. Your clinician will explain the proposed program following assessment.

​

Book a Knee Tendon Assessment

If persistent pain below your kneecap is affecting sport or everyday activities, contact Shockwave Therapy Centre, Bli Bli, to discuss your treatment options.

Phone: (07) 5441 6355

​

​

Treatment suitability and outcomes vary. Individual assessment is required.