Is tendinopathy the same as tendon inflammation?

The term covers a broader clinical picture and does not necessarily indicate a purely inflammatory process.

Can one protocol be used for every tendon?

No. Anatomy, depth, diagnosis and device instructions affect treatment planning.

What should be assessed first?

A professional should evaluate symptoms, function, loading history and relevant contraindications.

SHOCKIS / CLINICAL APPLICATION

Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy describes a clinical condition characterized by tendon pain and load-related functional limitation.

Disease Overview

Tendinopathy describes a clinical condition characterized by tendon pain and load-related functional limitation. Its etiology is often unknown and frequently involves multiple contributing factors. Repetitive or unaccustomed loading may play a role in its onset. Common affected sites include the rotator cuff, medial and lateral epicondyles of the elbow, patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, and Achilles tendon.

Typical Symptoms and Associated Factors

Key diagnostic features include insidious onset and well-localized tenderness. Risk factors include advancing age, athletic training, and fluoroquinolone medication therapy.

Clinician palpating a patient's knee to localize tendon tenderness

Professional Evaluation

The diagnosis is primarily clinical. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain or an invasive procedure is planned.

Conservative Management

Treatment includes activity modification and exercise therapy. Exercises should be individualized, with progressive tendon-loading training guided by symptom response and functional capacity.

Applying coupling gel to the knee area during treatment preparation

ESWT: Potential Mechanisms and Limitations of Evidence

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device to deliver shock waves through the skin to the affected area. The exact mechanisms by which this therapy may exert effects on tendinopathy have not been fully elucidated. The evidence base for ESWT in tendinopathy is inconsistent, and findings vary across different tendon sites.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy being applied to the knee tendon

Contact with SHOCKIS

Clinicians and procurement professionals evaluating shock wave therapy systems for tendinopathy should consider device-specific characteristics and the applicable regulatory status in their respective regions. The evidence summarized above reflects the broader ESWT literature and does not constitute validation of any specific SHOCKIS product for any particular indication. If you wish to discuss how SHOCKIS can support your clinical or procurement needs, our team is welcome to hear from you.

Clinical Workflow Checklist

01CLINICAL ASSESSMENT
Review patient history, symptoms, and contraindications.
02TARGET AREA IDENTIFICATION
Identify the treatment area through clinical examination and appropriate imaging when needed.
03TREATMENT SETUP
Select treatment parameters according to clinical assessment, device instructions, and patient tolerance.
04SHOCKWAVE APPLICATION
Apply coupling gel and deliver treatment while monitoring patient response.
05POST-TREATMENT CARE
Clean the treatment area and applicator, and provide appropriate aftercare guidance.

Safety Information

The information below describes conditions and reactions generally associated with extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It does not replace the instructions for use of the specific SHOCKIS device. Clinicians must verify applicability against the current device labeling and their own clinical judgment.

Contraindications & Precautions

Shock wave therapy should not be applied, or should be applied only with particular caution, in the following situations:

Known hemorrhagic disorders or coagulation dysfunction
Thrombosis in or adjacent to the intended treatment area
Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric illness
Implanted pacemakers or other active electronic implants
Tumors located in the treatment area
Pregnancy, particularly the lower abdominal region
Ruptured or severely injured tendons and fasciae, as well as regions containing the brain, spinal cord, large blood vessels, or major nerve trunks
Regions containing abdominal organs, especially lung tissue
Bone defects exceeding 2 cm
Joint fluid leakage
Growing pains in pediatric patients

Any other condition deemed unsuitable by the treating physician.

Potential Adverse Reactions

The following reactions may occur at or near the treatment site:

Local hematoma, ecchymosis, or petechiae
Temporary intensification of pain shortly after treatment
Local numbness, needle-like sensation, or hypoesthesia
High-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy may cause local nerve or vascular injury

These reactions are generally transient and typically resolve within approximately one week without special treatment.

References