Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee) Treatment in Ottawa and Waterloo
Patellar tendinopathy, often called jumper’s knee, is pain in the tendon just below the kneecap, where it connects the kneecap to the shin bone. It is common in sports involving jumping, landing, and repeated knee loading — basketball, volleyball, and running are frequent examples — but it can also develop with a sudden increase in knee load in everyday activity. Pain is often felt with squatting, stairs, jumping, or sitting with the knee bent for a long time.
What patellar tendinopathy feels like
The pain is usually localised to a tender spot just below the kneecap. It may start only with sport and progress to affecting daily activities if load is not managed. Morning stiffness, pain after activity, and a feeling that the knee is not coping with load are all commonly reported. Because knee pain has many causes, assessment helps distinguish patellar tendinopathy from other knee problems that need different care.
How focused shockwave therapy is thought to work for patellar tendinopathy
FocusWave Clinic uses the Storz Medical DUOLITH SD1, a Health Canada licensed device, to deliver focused low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT), with pulses focused on the painful tendon area.
The evidence for shockwave in patellar tendinopathy is limited, with some studies showing negligible benefit on average. At FocusWave Clinic, shockwave is discussed alongside load management and rehabilitation, which are central to tendon care, and any decision to proceed follows an individual assessment.
What a first visit and assessment involves
A first visit starts with an assessment: history, which activities provoke the pain, sport and training load, and an assessment by the clinic team, followed by a suitability check. The chronic pain program is $1,250 if a person is suitable and chooses to proceed. A realistic timeline is discussed at assessment — tendon problems rarely resolve overnight.
Who should call first instead of assuming treatment is suitable
Call before assuming treatment is suitable if you have a pacemaker or implanted device, an infection or open wound in the treatment area, cancer in the treatment area, or a bleeding disorder or use of blood thinners. A swollen, hot knee, locking or giving way, or pain after a direct injury should be discussed promptly.
Talk to FocusWave Clinic in Ottawa or Waterloo
FocusWave Clinic has clinics in Ottawa and Waterloo.
If pain below the kneecap is limiting your sport or daily activity, call first to discuss an assessment.
- Ottawa: 2249 Carling Ave, Suite 201, Ottawa ON K2B 7E9 — 613-422-9283
- Waterloo: 109 Erb St. W, Suite B, Waterloo ON N2L 1T4 — 226-476-4147
- Toll-free: 888-558-9283 | info@focuswaveclinic.com | www.focuswaveclinic.com
