From Pain to Performance: How Shockwave Therapy Helped an Athlete Recover from Jumper’s Knee

What Is Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendinopathy)?

“Jumper’s knee” — known medically as patellar tendinopathy — is a common overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone. It often develops in athletes who do repetitive jumping or sprinting, such as basketball, volleyball, or football players.

Typical symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness just below the kneecap

• Discomfort during jumping, squatting, or climbing stairs

• Pain that worsens after training or matches

While rest and rehab exercises are important, chronic tendinopathy can be stubborn. That’s where shockwave therapy can make a difference.

What Is Shockwave Therapy — and How Does It Work?

Shockwave therapy (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or ESWT) delivers targeted acoustic energy to injured tissues. This helps by:

• Stimulating blood flow to the tendon

• Encouraging collagen production and tissue repair

• Breaking down chronic scar tissue

• Reducing pain by desensitising nerve endings

In short: it helps the tendon restart its natural healing process — especially when progress has plateaued.

Case Example: A Runner’s Recovery Story

(Patient details anonymised for privacy)

A 28-year-old recreational runner came to our clinic after six months of persistent pain below the kneecap. He had tried rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises, but the discomfort kept returning once he resumed training.

Initial Assessment

Our osteopathic assessment revealed:

• Restricted ankle dorsiflexion

• Tightness in the quadriceps and hip flexors

• Weakness in gluteal control

• Local tenderness over the patellar tendon

We diagnosed chronic patellar tendinopathy — a perfect candidate for a combined approach using shockwave therapy and rehab exercises.

The Treatment Plan

1. Shockwave Therapy Sessions

   • Weekly sessions for 4 weeks

   • Focused on the patellar tendon and surrounding tissue

   • Mild soreness for 24–48 hours post-treatment (normal response)

2. Osteopathic Treatment

   • Addressed biomechanical restrictions in the hips and ankles

   • Improved lower limb alignment and loading pattern

3. Rehabilitation Programme

   • Eccentric and isometric strengthening for the quadriceps

   • Gluteal activation work

   • Gradual return-to-run protocol

Results: From Pain to Performance

After 4 weeks, the patient reported:

• 60% reduction in pain

• Improved tolerance to squats and stairs

• Better lower-limb control during running drills

At 8 weeks, he was back to running 5 km pain-free — continuing rehab to maintain strength and prevent recurrence.

The Osteopath’s Perspective

Shockwave therapy isn’t a “quick fix” — but it’s a powerful accelerator for tendon healing, especially when combined with hands-on treatment and a structured rehab plan.

It’s ideal for:

• Chronic tendon pain (lasting 3+ months)

• Athletes stuck in a “pain–rest–reinjury” cycle

• Those looking to avoid injections or surgery

Key Takeaways

• Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s natural repair process.

• It’s effective for chronic patellar tendinopathy when rehab alone isn’t enough.

• Combining it with osteopathic care and exercise gives the best long-term outcomes.