Knee injuries affect everything from your daily routine to your long-term health. Whether you’re sidelined by a meniscus tear, fighting the persistent pain of knee bursitis, or facing the challenge of an ACL injury, understanding your treatment options could help you on the path to a successful recovery. We will discuss some of the most common and debilitating knee injuries, plus effective chiropractic treatments for knee pain that can help you get back on your feet, stronger than ever. 

Treating Meniscus Tears with Chiropractic Care

Meniscus tears are a common knee injury that occur when any sudden twist or rotation of the knee, especially when bearing heavy weight, causes the meniscus to tear. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that absorbs the shock from weight-bearing activities, located between the femur and the tibia. Each knee has two menisci, one on the outer edge of the knee and one on the inner edge.

Chiropractic treatments used for meniscus tear pain management and treatment could include:

• Using cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Gentle adjustments via manual manipulation to ensure proper alignment of the knee.
• Specific rehabilitation exercises to restore knee function and prevent further injury.

In this study, chiropractic treatment was used for a sixty-year-old woman with a meniscus tear. Treatments included soft tissue therapy, lymphatic massage, and therapeutic ultrasound, along with adherence to the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. By the end of the treatment, examiners saw no inflammation within the knee and the patient reported no pain.

Treating Knee Bursitis with Chiropractic Care

Knee bursitis is another condition in which fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, become inflamed. Bursae typically reduce the pressure between tendons, bones, and muscles in the knee, but when inflamed, this can result in painful swelling, also called inflammation. Also called prepatellar bursitis, this inflammation can lead to pain and a limited range of motion and movement. Prolonged kneeling may also progress symptoms of knee bursitis.

Chiropractic treatments used for knee bursitis pain management and treatment could include:

• Applications of ice and heat therapy to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
• Electrical stimulation to manage pain and stimulate healing processes.
• Posture corrections and recommendations to reduce stress on the knee.

Other treatments and preventative measures one might find helpful for bursitis include using protective braces and knee pads and following RICE protocol. Resting and raising your knee may also help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Treating ACL Injuries with Chiropractic Care

ACL injuries occur when the anterior cruciate ligament is torn or sprained. This ligament offers the knee stability and sudden changes in direction or awkwardly landing on the ground, such as when playing basketball or soccer, make ACL injury more likely. When the ligament does become injured, the individual could experience immediate, rapid swelling and severe pain.

Chiropractic treatments used for ACL injury pain management and treatment could include:

• Functional rehabilitation designed to restore knee function and return to activity safely.
• Exercises to enhance balance and coordination.
• Use of knee braces or kinesio taping to stabilize the joint during recovery.

For a twenty-five year old male patient in this study, post-surgery chiropractic care was used to complete rehabilitation of an ACL injury. By the end of the treatment, the patient had regained all function and reported a zero on the pain scale.

What You Can Do About Knee Pain Today
Don’t put off that knee pain any longer—we’re here for you. Book an appointment with our team to find much needed relief from knee pain and get back to enjoying the life you love. To your health and wellness!