Shockwave therapy or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-surgical treatment that uses focused sound waves to help injured tissues heal. These pulses pass through the skin to improve circulation and trigger the body’s natural repair process. This therapy reduces inflammation and pain while restoring movement. Each treatment is quick and generally comfortable. No anesthesia or recovery time is needed. For many people who want to avoid surgery or long-term medication so Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Campbell CA can be their safe and practical option (Wang et al., 2020).

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Knee Conditions in Campbell CA That ESWT Can Help

Knee Arthritis AKA Osteoarthritis (OA)

Knee osteoarthritis is a common source of pain and stiffness in older adults. Research shows that ESWT can ease discomfort and improve mobility for up to a year after treatment. It cannot rebuild cartilage but it often makes daily movement easier and helps with walking (Tang et al., 2024). Many patients describe less morning stiffness and a smoother stride after several sessions.

Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)

Athletes and active people often develop jumper’s knee from repeated strain on the patellar tendon. Shockwave therapy can help reduce pain and encourage tendon repair. Results are moderate when used alone but stronger when combined with physiotherapy or eccentric exercise (Charles et al., 2023). After a few sessions, athletes reported that they notice improved strength and there was less tension under the kneecap and smoother movement during jumps or squats.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome and Pes Anserine Bursitis

ESWT provides quicker relief in comparison to usual care in the case of overuse injury and bursitis around the knee. Previous evidences found that it causes less tenderness and is more comfortable among acute case that can be resistant to usual methods. It can reduce the time of recovery and assist individuals to resume work or exercise without relying on the analgesic drugs.

Knee Pain- Post-Surgical or Chronic.

Persistence of pain following ACL reconstruction surgery or knee replacement may delay recovery. Shockwave therapy also facilitates the healing of the tissues and decreases the stiffness. It also softens tight scar tissue and enhance movement and general comfort when included in the rehabilitation programs (Xie et al., 2020). Other patients complain of progressive relief and being able to bend or kneel after several weeks of treatment.

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Benefits Compared with Traditional Options

Unlike cortisone injections or painkillers, ESWT helps the body repair itself instead of masking symptoms. It avoids the side effects linked to steroids and may have longer-lasting results. Hyaluronic acid injections and anti-inflammatory drugs mainly target pain and swelling while ESWT focuses on the damaged tissue.

However, it has limits. It may not help in severe “bone-on-bone” arthritis where joint space is already lost. Insurance coverage also varies, so some patients may need to pay privately (ma et al., 2020).

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What to Expect During Treatment

A typical ESWT session lasts about fifteen to twenty minutes. The therapist applies a gel on the skin, then uses a handheld device to deliver rhythmic pulses to the treatment area. The sensation feels like firm tapping. Some mild soreness may appear afterward but fades quickly. Most people return to normal activity the same day.

Treatment usually involves three to six weekly sessions for the best outcome (Tang et al., 2024). The effect builds gradually and improvements in pain and movement are often noticed after the second or third visit.

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Evidence at a Glance

1. Knee Osteoarthritis: It reduces pain and improves function for up to a year (Wang et al., 2020).
2. Patellar Tendinopathy: It is known to work best when combined with physiotherapy (Charles et al., 2023).
3. Pes Anserine Bursitis: Relieves pain faster than placebo (Majidi et al., 2022).
4. Post-Surgical Knee Pain: It enhances healing and flexibility in rehabilitation (Xie et al., 2020).

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Patient Experience

Many people describe ESWT as a gentle and rhythmic treatment rather than a painful one. Its sound pulses can feel strange at first but the process is easy to tolerate. After several sessions, patients often notice that climbing stairs, bending or walking becomes easier. Those who enjoy sports say it helps them return to training sooner and with fewer flare-ups.

Physiotherapists often combine ESWT with stretching, strength training, or soft-tissue work to extend its benefits. When used this way, it becomes part of a broader recovery plan rather than a stand-alone fix.

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Is ESWT Right for Everyone?

ESWT is not suitable for all conditions. People with bleeding disorders, nerve damage near the knee, or open wounds should avoid it. It is also not advised during pregnancy or immediately after major surgery. A proper assessment by a physiotherapist or orthopedic doctor is essential before starting treatment. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI can help guide the therapy to the right area and measure progress.

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What the Research Shows

Clinical studies support the safety and effectiveness of ESWT for several knee problems.

• Wang et al. (2020) found significant reductions in pain and stiffness among people with osteoarthritis.
• Tang et al. (2024) reviewed multiple studies and confirmed that benefits often last several months after treatment.
• Charles et al. (2023) noted that results for patellar tendinopathy are strongest when ESWT is part of a complete rehabilitation plan.
• Xie et al. (2020) and Rahim et al. (2022) showed that adding ESWT after surgery improves flexibility and speeds healing.

These findings suggest that ESWT offers a meaningful and low-risk choice for people seeking relief without invasive procedures.

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When Should I Get Care?

If knee pain affects your work, exercise, or sleep, speak with your Chiropractic specialist about shockwave therapy. Bring your medical history and any imaging results to your appointment. A tailored treatment plan will provide the clearest picture of what to expect.

Choose a clinic that monitors your progress closely and adjusts settings as needed. Consistent follow-up helps ensure that you gain steady improvement rather than short-term relief.

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Frequently Asked Questions