Knee pain can have numerous causes, ranging from injury to underlying medical conditions. Here are some of the most common causes of knee pain:
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause knee pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain in older adults, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the knee joint.
- Acute Injury: Knee injuries are a common cause of knee pain. They can occur due to falls, sports-related activities, or accidents. Common knee injuries include ligament sprains or tears, meniscus tears, and fractures.
- Tendonitis: Tendinitis occurs when the tendons in the knee become inflamed or irritated. This can cause pain and stiffness in the knee and can be caused by overuse, repetitive motions, or injury. Patellar tendinitis is a specific type of tendinitis that affects the patellar tendon.
- Bursitis: The bursae are small sacs of fluid that cushion the knee joint. When these sacs become inflamed, it can cause pain and swelling in the knee.
- Chondromalacia patella: This condition occurs when the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap becomes soft or damaged. It can cause pain and a grinding sensation in the knee.
- Meniscal tear: A meniscal tear is a tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee.
It’s important to note that these are just some of the most common causes of knee pain. If you are experiencing knee pain, you can learn if your condition is suitable for treatment and try shockwave therapy with our New Patient Special.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Knee Pain
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option effective in reducing knee pain and improving functionality. Here are some of the benefits of knee shockwave therapy.
Pain relief
Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing knee pain. This is achieved through the use of high-energy shock waves, which are delivered to the injured area to improve blood supply and stimulate the body’s healing process. As a result, patients experience less pain and discomfort in their knees.
Improved functionality
Knee pain can significantly affect a patient’s ability to perform daily activities. Shockwave therapy can help improve knee functionality by reducing pain and inflammation, which allows patients to move more easily and comfortably.
Decreased inflammation
Inflammation is a common cause of knee pain, and shockwave therapy can help reduce inflammation in the knee joint. This is achieved by increasing blood flow to the area, which promotes the body’s natural healing process and helps reduce inflammation.
Increased collagen production
Collagen is a protein essential for connective tissue’s health and function, such as cartilage and tendons. Shockwave therapy has been shown to increase collagen production in the knee joint, which can help improve the health and function of the joint.
Overall, shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for knee pain. It has been shown to provide pain relief, improve functionality, decrease inflammation, and increase collagen production in the knee joint.
How Shockwave Therapy Works for Knee Pain
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Here’s how it works:
What is a Shockwave?
Shock waves are rapid acoustic pulses that consist of a high-pressure surge followed by a comparatively lower-pressure trough. These phenomena are a part of our everyday life and can be produced by various sources such as supersonic aircraft, explosions, lightning, earthquakes, or any other event that causes a change in air pressure.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Help with Knee Pain?
A device is used to produce and safely deliver shockwaves to the affected area of the knee. These shockwaves can promote healing in the knee at the cellular level, improve blood supply, and initiate the body’s natural healing process.
Types of Shockwave Therapy
While there are many types of shockwave therapy on the market, the three most common are radial shockwave therapy (RSWT), focused shockwave therapy (FSWT), and acoustic wave therapy (AWT).
Radial Shockwave Therapy uses a hand-held device that applies pressure waves to the skin’s surface. This type of shockwave therapy is a popular option for treating conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and tennis elbow. However, it may not be effective for deeper tissue injuries, and patients may require multiple treatment sessions.
Focused Shockwave therapy uses a device that delivers high-intensity shockwaves directly to the affected area. This type of shockwave therapy is often used for treating chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis and bone fractures that are slow to heal. However, it can be uncomfortable for some patients, and the intensity of the treatment may need to be adjusted based on individual needs.
Acoustic Wave Therapy uses a device that delivers low-intensity shockwaves to the affected area. This type of shockwave therapy is commonly used to improve blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing. It is often used to treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction and cellulite. However, the low-intensity shockwaves may not be effective for treating some conditions.
Unfocused Shockwave Therapy delivers high-intensity shockwaves that penetrate a wider and deeper area of tissue (7cm x 12cm) than focused shockwaves (1cm x 12cm) or radial waves (2cm x 2cm). SoftWave for knee pain is the only unfocused shockwave treatment widely available in the US. Unfocused shockwaves can treat the same conditions as traditional focused shockwave therapy while providing superior relief for large joints and muscle issues such as knee pain. Unfocused shockwaves may also require fewer sessions compared to radial or focused shockwave treatments.
Shockwave Therapy for Knee Injuries & Conditions
Here are some of the common knee conditions shockwave therapy treats, showcasing its effectiveness and benefits in managing these ailments.
Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
Shockwave therapy has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating knee osteoarthritis, particularly in reducing pain and improving function. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, shockwave therapy outperformed several traditional treatments, including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and medication, in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement. The therapy promotes tissue repair and regeneration by delivering acoustic waves that stimulate cellular activities and blood flow. This non-invasive treatment has shown a high safety profile, with no serious adverse reactions reported, making it a promising option for managing osteoarthritis symptoms effectively.
Shockwave Therapy After Knee Replacement
Early application of shockwave therapy following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) significantly enhances rehabilitation outcomes. A study from Martini et al. (2023) found that integrating shockwave therapy with physiotherapy shortly after surgery leads to superior pain control and functional recovery compared to physiotherapy alone. Patients receiving shockwave therapy showed greater improvements in active knee range of motion and performed better on functional tests like the Timed Up and Go test. These findings highlight the benefits of shockwave therapy in accelerating recovery and reducing postoperative discomfort, making it a valuable addition to the postoperative care regimen for knee replacement patients .
Shockwave Therapy for Knee Bursitis
For patients suffering from chronic knee bursitis, particularly pes anserine bursitis, shockwave therapy has been proven effective in reducing pain and improving function. A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that patients receiving shockwave therapy experienced significant reductions in pain scores both immediately after treatment and eight weeks later, compared to those receiving a sham treatment.
Shockwave Therapy for Meniscus Tear
Shockwave therapy treats meniscus tears by enhancing tissue healing and reducing pain. The therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate cellular activity and blood flow, which accelerates the repair of the damaged meniscal tissue. Patients undergoing shockwave therapy for meniscus tears report reduced pain and improved knee function, allowing for a quicker return to daily activities and sports. This non-invasive approach provides an effective alternative to surgical interventions, reducing recovery time and associated risks .
Shockwave Therapy for Knee Tendinopathies
Shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating knee tendinopathies and other soft tissue disorders. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicated that shockwave therapy significantly improves treatment success rates, reduces pain, and restores knee range of motion. The therapy’s efficacy varies with different types and energy levels of shockwaves, with both radial and focused shockwaves showing positive outcomes when applied over longer durations. Shockwave therapy enhances tissue remodeling and repair through mechanotransduction, making it a valuable treatment for chronic tendinopathies, providing substantial pain relief and functional improvement.
