Knee Pain

The knee is a complex joint, making it susceptible to a variety of conditions and injuries. Some of the most common causes of knee pain include:

• Osteoarthritis

A leading cause of knee pain in older adults, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

• Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL Tears)

The knee’s ligaments provide stability, but they are vulnerable to tears and sprains—especially the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), which is commonly injured in sports and high-impact activities.

• Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a cushion-like cartilage that absorbs shock in the knee. Sudden twisting movements or wear and tear can cause tears, leading to pain, swelling, and limited motion.

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome ("Runner’s Knee")

This condition is caused by misalignment of the kneecap, overuse, or muscle imbalances. It leads to pain around the kneecap, especially when running, squatting, or climbing stairs.

• Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)

Overuse of the knee, especially from jumping activities, can lead to inflammation of the patellar tendon, causing pain and stiffness.

• Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa sacs, which cushion the knee joint, can cause pain and swelling, often due to repetitive kneeling or direct trauma.

• Referred Pain from the Lower Back or Hips

Misalignments in the spine, pelvis, or hips can create abnormal movement patterns, leading to compensatory knee pain.

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to knee pain, treating both the knee joint and the surrounding structures to optimize healing and function.

1. Chiropractic Adjustments for Knee Alignment

When the knee is misaligned, it places extra stress on the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and cartilage. Chiropractic adjustments help by:

• Restoring proper joint mechanics
• Reducing pressure on irritated nerves and tissues
• Improving mobility and range of motion

We also assess hip, ankle, and spinal alignment, as imbalances in these areas can contribute to chronic knee pain.

2. High Volt Electrical Muscle Stimulation (HVES) for Pain and Inflammation

HVES therapy is a highly effective tool for reducing knee pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation. It works by:

• Relaxing tight muscles and reducing swelling
• Enhancing blood circulation to promote healing
• Providing pain relief by blocking pain signals to the brain

This is especially beneficial for conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and ligament injuries.

3. Ultrasound Therapy for Deep Tissue Healing

Using sound waves to stimulate deep tissues, ultrasound therapy helps with:

• Reducing inflammation in knee joints and soft tissues
• Speeding up tissue repair and collagen production
• Enhancing flexibility and range of motion

This therapy is particularly useful for meniscus injuries, tendonitis, and post-injury recovery.

4️⃣ Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Therapy

Many cases of knee pain involve tight muscles, trigger points, or scar tissue. Myofascial release and instrument-assisted therapy help by:

✔ Breaking up adhesions and scar tissue
✔ Improving flexibility in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
✔ Enhancing blood flow to promote faster healing

• A study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic adjustments significantly reduced knee pain and improved mobility in patients with osteoarthritis (Hawk et al., 2019).
• Research in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders reported that spinal and extremity adjustments improved knee function and reduced pain in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (Pietrosimone et al., 2020).
• A systematic review in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy concluded that chiropractic care, combined with soft tissue therapy and exercise, was highly effective in managing knee pain caused by sports injuries and arthritis (Young et al., 2021).

To keep your knees strong and pain-free, follow these simple strategies:

• Strengthen supporting muscles – Focus on exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
• Maintain proper posture and spinal alignment – A well-aligned spine and pelvis prevent unnecessary stress on the knees.
• Wear supportive footwear – Avoid shoes that cause poor biomechanics.
• Stretch and warm up – Loosen tight muscles before physical activity.
• Modify high-impact activities – Reduce repetitive stress on the knees when necessary.