How Long Does Shockwave Therapy Take to Work for Patellar Tendinitis?

Patellar tendinitis affects the tendon below the kneecap, which is loaded by squatting, stairs, running, and jumping. Shockwave therapy delivers mechanical energy to the area and is generally used alongside progressive strengthening. It is not an instant repair, and mild post-session soreness does not necessarily mean the tendon is worsening.

Your timeline may differ according to symptom duration, tendon sensitivity, training demands, leg strength, and how steadily exercises are progressed. Pain during a movement may reduce before power and confidence return, so a return to sport should be guided by function rather than one good day.

Use the exercise plan provided by your physiotherapist, keeping repetitions and resistance within the agreed range. Temporarily reduce high-impact drills, deep painful squats, and sudden increases in training. Gentle daily movement is often preferable to complete rest, but pain that escalates later that day or the next morning is a reason to discuss the load.

Wear suitable footwear and tell the treating clinician about changes in training, work, or sport. A review can adjust the programme and check whether the pain is coming from the patellar tendon or another part of the knee.

Seek prompt assessment after a sudden pop, immediate loss of knee strength, marked swelling, inability to straighten the knee, or inability to bear weight. Contact the clinic if redness, warmth, fever, or progressively worsening pain develops. Book reassessment when symptoms remain limiting after the planned course.

Ask how the tendon diagnosis was established, which exercises should continue during treatment, how to judge readiness for jumping, and what change should be expected before the next review. Ask whether your sport or work needs a staged modification.