OBJECTIVE: To summarize evidence in the last decade regarding the efficacy of physical therapy interventions to treat tendinopathy, as a single disease entity, as determined in systematic reviews (SRs) and/or meta-analyses (MAs). METHODS: Electronic search of PubMed, PEDro, and Scopus database was performed from year 2010 to January 2020. The methodological quality of the identified studies was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Studies scoring 9 points or higher were further analyzed using GRADE principles. RESULTS: 40 SRs and/or MAs were included in qualitative synthesis, whereas only 5 MAs were included in quantitative synthesis. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) intervention showed a pooled improvement in pain reduction of 1.53 cm; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.91 (I2 = 1.9%, p = 0.361) on visual analogue scale, and grip strength of 9.59 kg; 95% CI 5.90 to 13.27. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-quality evidence may support these following interventions: LLLT revealed a statistically and potentially clinically significant improvement in pain and function on the short-term. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy showed a statistically significant enhancement in pain and function at all follow-up durations; however, its clinical significance was undetermined. Eccentric exercise was supported by qualitative evidence only. Caution is advised when interpreting results due to possible pathological differences in tendinopathy at each region.

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