Knee Pain Treatment

Serving the Greater Austin community with locations in SW Austin, Bee Cave, Buda, and Dripping Springs

Knee pain is an increasingly more common problem in our society and as a result we see more and more patients with knee problems here at TexStar Chiropractic.

The most common complaints relate to 'wear and tear' or osteoarthritis and although a condition such as osteoarthritis is not curable, the symptoms can be reduced and the progression of the problem can be helped thanks to our unique approach to treatment.Chiropractic treatment is very effective for many other knee problems. Chiropractic treatment may well be the answer if:

• knee pain is limiting your day-to-day or sporting activities,
• you have been given painkillers and been told to rest with no long-term improvement, or
• you have been told you have arthritis and there is nothing that can be done?

Examination of the Knee Joint

When pain is experienced in the knee, all the anatomical components need to be examined (not just the knee joint). This includes the lower back, pelvis, hip, ankle and feet due to the direct influence they have on the knee.

You can expect Dr. Henry to conduct an evaluation of your medical history and then perform a thorough physical and biomechanical examination in order to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.  His approach to assessing and treating the knee includes the evaluation of the other joints and muscles relating to the knee. There are several reasons for doing this:

• Firstly, pain can be referred from other structures in the low back, pelvis and hip into the knee, in certain conditions.
• Secondly, if other joints in the lower limb are not working correctly they can put increased stress on the knee joint, resulting in injury over time. Therefore to resolve the knee pain chiropractors may also treat other areas, to maximize long-term improvement.

Our approach to chiropractic treatment of knee pain can involve three treatment stages: 

Stage 1: Reduce joint inflammation and reduce pain.

• Avoidance of aggravating factors, use of a support, sports tape
• Ice to reduce inflammation, muscle spasm and pain
• Soft tissue healing: laser, ultrasound and interferential therapy

Stage 2: Normalize joint function

• Specific chiropractic manipulation and mobilization techniques to areas of restricted movement in the knee and surrounding joints, to increase movement, improve the function and reduce pain
• Deep soft tissue massage, trigger-point therapy and cross-friction.

Stage 3: Rehabilitation exercise program.

• When appropriate we introduce exercises to improve strength, endurance and stability. We also work on improving your balance and your sense of joint position (proprioception). This will help you to return to normal and also prevent new injuries.