Chiropractic for Knee Pain
Common Causes of Knee Pain
The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body. It involves bones, ligaments, cartilage, and several tendons and muscles. They must all work together to provide balance and coordinated movements to bear the body’s weight. This requires optimum conditions and performance. It stands to reason that many things can impact the structure and efficiency of the knee. In fact, knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems among all people and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the second greatest diagnosed pain condition.
Some common causes of knee pain include:
Injury
Arthritis
Obesity
Sports activity
Improper footwear
In addition, these leading causes of knee pain are supplemented by other aggravating factors. Tight muscles, joint degeneration, and even hip, ankle or, foot problems can adversely impact knee function and result in pain.
When Is It Time to Seek a Chiropractor for Knee Pain?
Chiropractic care can be very effective for knee pain. Comprehensive care includes identifying the underlying cause of the pain by addressing the issues in and around the knee. This includes investigating whether alignment in other areas of the body may be the true cause of the knee pain or at least contributing to it. For example, a limited range of motion in the hips or tightness in the lower back can place excessive strain on the knees, which can cause pain.
Chiropractic care can help knee pain in the following circumstances:
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, stiffness, or weakness
If you have restricted activity, whether daily functioning or sports and exercise
If you have tried other approaches, such as rest and over-the-counter pain medication, and these measures are not providing relief
If you have been told there is nothing that can be done for your knee arthritis
If you have an old knee injury that still gives you trouble
If you have had surgery and are still experiencing problems that other recovery methods have not helped
Before seeking chiropractic treatment, however, it is recommended to have a doctor’s evaluation and diagnosis. This helps rule out other medical concerns or causes. In addition, your chiropractor should take a detailed medical history and will likely examine your joints.
How Does a Chiropractor Treat the Knee?
Depending on the specific case, including the cause and severity of the knee pain, chiropractic uses various techniques to address the problem. These include:
Adjustments - This entails aligning the knee or other related structures, such as the hip or lower back, that may be causing knee dysfunction. Also, spinal alignment through adjustment restores balance and can reduce stress on other body parts, limiting pain and restoring knee function.
Massage and trigger point therapy - This provides pressure to various body areas to reduce pain and other discomforts, such as stiffness.
Posture optimization - Poor posture can cause stress on various parts of the body, including joints such as the knees. A chiropractor can work with you on correcting poor habits and maintaining optimum posture.
Adjunct therapies - Ultrasound therapy is the use of ultrasound waves. This can relieve pain and improve mobility by alleviating stiffness. Laser therapy stimulates the body’s muscles and soft tissues. This can help reduce inflammation and spur blood flow to aid the healing process.
Lifestyle recommendations - An lifestyle evaluation includes various behaviors that may be counterproductive, such as being overweight. Habits such as nutrition and exercise can be evaluated to help lose weight, take the pressure off the knees, and can also help create healthy habits for general well-being.
Chiropractic offers the same great benefits for treating knee pain as for many other conditions. It is safe and drug-free; it promotes natural healing; it treats the causes of the condition and not just the symptoms; and, it has been shown to be effective, including for knee pain.
Chiropractic treatment is a major component of care at Spinal Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.