Knee Pain

Knee Pain: Common Complaints and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Knee pain is a common condition that can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. It affects people of all ages and can significantly impact mobility, reducing the ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy physical activity. Whether from injury, overuse, or age-related wear and tear, knee pain can stem from a variety of causes, including knee osteoarthritis and meniscus tears.

One of the most prevalent causes of knee pain in adults is knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the knee joint gradually breaks down. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion. Meniscus tears, often caused by twisting or sudden movements, can also cause knee pain and dysfunction, leading to swelling, difficulty bending the knee, and instability. Both of these conditions can result in chronic pain and reduced mobility if left untreated.

At The Barefoot Chiro, we offer a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to knee pain management. One of the key treatments we use is cold laser therapy. This non-invasive therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into the tissues, promoting healing by increasing circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating cellular repair. It has been shown to be effective in treating a range of knee conditions, particularly knee osteoarthritis and meniscus tears, by reducing pain and improving joint function.

In addition to cold laser therapy, we create personalized evidence-based exercise programs tailored to each patient’s specific condition. These programs are designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve stability, and enhance mobility. Regular, targeted exercise can help alleviate the pressure on the knee joint, improving alignment and reducing the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. For individuals with meniscus tears, strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving joint stability is critical for protecting the knee and supporting recovery.

Together, cold laser therapy and a custom exercise program can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and help prevent further damage to the knee. This integrated approach not only treats the symptoms of knee pain but also addresses the root cause, enabling patients to regain full function and return to an active lifestyle.

Reference Material for Knee Pain, Osteoarthritis, Meniscus Tears, and Cold Laser Therapy

  • National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): Offers comprehensive information on knee conditions, including knee osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and other knee injuries. The site also discusses treatment options such as physical therapy, exercise, and the role of non-invasive therapies like cold laser therapy.
  • Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT): This journal publishes research on knee injuries, including meniscus tears and knee osteoarthritis, and the effectiveness of exercise rehabilitation and non-pharmacological treatments such as cold laser therapy.
  • The Journal of Pain: Provides studies on cold laser therapy (also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) and its role in reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing, particularly for knee osteoarthritis and meniscus injuries.
  • Arthritis & Rheumatology: This journal focuses on the management of osteoarthritis, particularly knee osteoarthritis, and includes evidence-based approaches such as cold laser therapy and other conservative treatments to reduce pain and improve function.
  • BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders: Discusses non-invasive treatments like cold laser therapy for knee pain, particularly in conditions such as meniscus tears and knee osteoarthritis, emphasizing the importance of combined therapies for improved outcomes.
  • The Clinical Journal of Pain: Features research on cold laser therapy and its impact on knee osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain. This journal also explores complementary therapies, including exercise programs, for long-term management of knee injuries.

Conditions we Treat