My physio has started to treat people with chronic joint problems using Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, i'm having it on my knee free of charge before they decide whether or not to roll it out on a charging basis. The idea is that shock waves emitted from a pneumatic powered hammering probe cause a deliberate tissue inflammation which is acted on by the body's healing processes. During the course of repairing treatment related inflammation, previously unhealable and problematic nasty tissue is repaired too. It's the same effect as infra-patella friction massage but at a higher level.
I've never been a guinea pig before, and i can't see it'll do me any harm- it's well researched. If i can survive smashing my knee into a pool table coin slot then i can survive this.