Knee pain can be debilitating, impacting every step you take and every jump you attempt. Overuse injuries, such as Patellar Femoral joint dysfunction and jumpers knee, are common culprits. But there’s an innovative treatment gaining popularity in Surrey: shockwave therapy.
Understanding Knee Pain
Knee pain has various causes. Whether it’s due to overuse injuries from excessive jumping, running, or even poor biomechanics that overload the patellar tendon, the result is often the same: discomfort and functional limitations. Over time, it’s not uncommon for the knee joint to deteriorate, leading to conditions like Osteoarthritis. This wear and tear can be observed on Histology slides, revealing how tissues deteriorate with age.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Soft tissue injuries, commonly associated with the knee, often share similarities. They are typically degenerative, backed by lab findings. Yet, sometimes, there’s a new, acute injury in the affected area. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Pain over the patella tendon, specifically just below.
- Stiffness during activities such as jumping or squatting.
- Noticeable loss of leg and calf strength.
The diagnosis process often hinges on clinical assessment, and in uncertain cases, MRI scans can provide clarity. Histology from biopsies usually confirms the degenerative nature of the tendon, leading to the term ‘Tendinopathy’. Additionally, conditions like chronic distal hamstring tendon injuries, or partial avulsions (tears) on the back outside of the knee, are not uncommon. These typically arise from deceleration activities.
The Power of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy, particularly for knee issues, has been a game-changer for many at Pure Life Physiotherapy & Health Centre in Surrey. Let’s delve into the two common scenarios we encounter:
- Shockwave Therapy as a Complement to Physiotherapy: Sometimes, due to the severity of the pain, patients find it challenging to complete physiotherapy and embark on rehabilitation. Shockwave therapy often alleviates these symptoms. Remarkably, many patients report a significant reduction in pain after just 2 or 3 treatments. This relief allows them to offload stresses and successfully undergo rehabilitation.
- Shockwave Therapy as a Standalone Treatment: In other cases, shockwave therapy alone does wonders. It seems to “reboot” the body’s natural healing process, enabling the injury to heal without the need for additional treatments.
When to Seek Shockwave Therapy?
Considering shockwave therapy for your knee pain? The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) vouches for shockwave therapy’s safety and effectiveness. In Europe, many medical professionals question the need to wait for six months post-injury to consider it. Personally, at Pure Life Physiotherapy & Health Centre, we believe in assessing each case individually. We usually recommend shockwave therapy for injuries that are at least three months old and haven’t responded to conventional treatments.
In Conclusion
Knee pain shouldn’t keep you from leading a vibrant, active life. At Pure Life Physiotherapy & Health Centre in Surrey, our team is dedicated to offering effective treatments tailored to your unique needs. Shockwave therapy has revolutionized how we approach knee pain, providing many with the relief they desperately seek. Ready to explore its benefits? Contact us today and take a step towards a pain-free life.