Chiropractic Care for Knee Pain
By Sara Butler
Your knees put up with a lot, which is why it’s no surprise many people will develop knee problems they may want to ask their chiropractor about. You might be surprised to learn that knee pain isn’t usually the result of trauma or injury, but a biomechanical issue that originates someplace else in your body – a place your chiropractor wants to find and fix! Here’s what you need to know about knee pain and how your chiropractor may be able to help.
The Most Common Problems
Knee pain can come on suddenly (acute) or develop over time and hurt for an extended period (chronic). The most common cause for knee pain your chiropractor sees is:
- Muscle weakness
- Referred pain from the low back or hip
- Arthritis
- Foot issues such as flat feet
- Direct trauma
- Poor body posture
- Poor alignment
- Auto accidents
- Overuse
As you can see, knee pain can involve structures beyond your knee, so it’s important to identify the underlying cause of your knee pain and treat it instead of simply treating your symptoms.
How Chiropractors Treat Knee Pain
Your chiropractor treats knee pain in three stages, and each stage is tailored to every patient's unique needs. The stages include:
- Inflammation reduction – If your knee is swollen and a little angry, then the first thing to be dealt with is the inflammation. Your chiropractor may suggest ice therapy to help decrease pain and inflammation naturally, as well as prevent any muscle spasms that may make your pain worse. Depending on your injury, they may suggest some added support, such as a brace or a wrap.
- Normalizing joint function – Your chiropractor will do an evaluation and decide if you would benefit from an adjustment to your low back, hip, ankle or knee. If there are misalignments present, they need to be dealt with to reduce stress and strain on the joints and to restore normal function. The chiropractor may also suggest trigger point therapy or massage, as well as some stretches you should try to help speed healing.
- Exercise program – As normal joint function is restored, your chiropractor may want you to do some targeted exercise to help improve stability, endurance and strength. These exercises can help prevent future injuries as well.
No two patients are alike, and no two cases of knee pain are going to be treated exactly the same way. If you are experiencing knee pain, talk to your chiropractor about it during your next visit to The Joint Chiropractic.