How effective is shockwave therapy for patellar tendinitis?

Patellar tendinitis, often called patellar tendinopathy, affects the tendon between the kneecap and shinbone. Jumping, running, squatting, or repeated knee loading can provoke pain at the front of the knee. Shockwaves apply mechanical pulses to the selected tendon area, with the aim of modifying pain and helping the tendon tolerate a gradual return to load.

Progress is better judged by tasks such as stairs, a controlled squat, landing, or sport drills than by tenderness alone. Treatment may cause temporary soreness. A slower response can occur when training load remains high, the diagnosis is uncertain, or the tendon has not been given a structured strengthening plan.

Have the knee assessed before treatment, especially after a sudden injury or if it gives way. Reduce jumping and deep, painful loading for a period agreed with your clinician, then build quadriceps and hip strength progressively. The aim is not complete inactivity; it is a level of loading that the tendon can recover from.

Record pain during a repeatable activity and how the knee feels later that day and the next morning. Bring this information to reviews so exercise intensity and return-to-sport steps can be adjusted rather than guessed.

Seek prompt assessment if you cannot straighten or bear weight through the knee, feel a sudden pop with loss of strength, develop marked swelling or redness, have fever, or experience rapidly worsening pain. These signs can indicate an injury or another condition needing different care.

Is the patellar tendon the source of my pain? Which activities should I pause or modify? What strengthening stage should I start with? How will we test readiness for running or jumping, and when should the plan be reassessed?