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What is Jumper’s Knee? How Shockwave Therapy Can Help?

by | Mar 11, 2022 | The Rubin Chiropractic Health Center Blog

Jumper’s knee is a common knee injury, especially among athletes. This injury impacts the patellar tendon in the knee and can cause significant pain and inflammation. Luckily, there are many effective treatments available for this condition, including shockwave therapy. 

Here, we’ll discuss the jumper’s knee and the benefits of shockwave therapy for treating this injury. 

What is Jumper’s Knee?

Jumper’s knee is also referred to as patellar tendonitis. This injury occurs as a result of overuse of the knee joint (such as frequent jumping), which leads to inflammation of the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap to the shin bone. 

The key symptoms of the jumper’s knee are pain, swelling, and tenderness around the patellar tendon. You may also experience pain while walking, running, walking, and bending or straightening the knee. 

Jumper’s knee can become a chronic problem if the patient doesn’t rest and seek treatment after noticing early signs of the injury. However, patients who receive jumper’s knee treatment promptly after experiencing symptoms typically make a full, swift recovery. 

How Can Shockwave Therapy Help With Jumper’s Knee?

During shockwave therapy, high levels of energy are delivered to the tissues in the treatment area using an applicator. A projectile inside of the applicator generates kinetic energy, which moves to the tip of the applicator and then the injured tissue.

The energy delivered during shockwave therapy triggers the body’s natural repair and regeneration processes for damaged soft tissue, including the patellar tendon in the knee. In response to shockwave therapy, the body increases blood flow to the injured area, speeds up tissue repair, and generates new cells. 

Shockwave therapy also boosts mast cell activity and collagen production. Mast cells play a key role in your body’s inflammatory response and can support your body’s process of regeneration for the jumper’s knee. Additional collagen fibers produced as a result of shockwave therapy can strengthen the patellar tendon to prevent re-injury. 

To learn more about shockwave therapy for jumper’s knee, contact Rubin Health Center today.