Can a Chiropractor Help with Knee Pain?

If you’re dealing with a knee issue, you might be asking whether a chiropractor can provide relief. The short answer is: it depends.

Knee pain is widespread and often arises from aging, injury, or repetitive stress. Mild, short-term knee discomfort typically improves within a few days with at-home care. But persistent or severe knee pain needs treatment to reduce symptoms and prevent further deterioration.

One possible approach is chiropractic care, which emphasizes whole-body, noninvasive methods to support natural healing and overall health. A chiropractor may be able to relieve certain types of knee pain and address contributing problems.

That said, chiropractic care isn’t a fit for everyone. It’s most appropriate if you prefer nonpharmacologic therapies and if your knee pain isn’t caused by an injury or condition that requires surgery.

In some cases, chiropractic treatment alone may provide meaningful relief; in others, it can complement conventional medical care.

Continue reading to learn about frequent causes of knee pain, how chiropractic care can help, what to expect during treatment, and important risks and considerations.

What is a chiropractor?

Chiropractic is a complementary healthcare approach that emphasizes the body’s inherent capacity to heal. It rests on the idea that proper alignment improves nervous system function and general health.

A chiropractor is a clinician who evaluates and treats musculoskeletal problems, including long-term pain. They take a holistic view, addressing your primary complaint while considering related factors such as prior injuries, movement habits, and lifestyle choices.

Chiropractors employ manual and soft-tissue therapies to realign the spine and joints. These treatments may enhance mobility, reduce discomfort, and restore function. Chiropractic care can also expand range of motion and relieve tension, which may lead to a calmer, less stressed feeling.

What knee conditions do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors can address a range of knee problems, particularly those that limit movement.

Common knee conditions managed by chiropractors include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): OA arises when the cartilage in the knee wears down from aging or injury, causing bone-on-bone friction that leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This inflammatory autoimmune disorder causes swelling and stiffness and can progressively damage bone, cartilage, and joints.
• Meniscal injury: Tears in the meniscus may result from aging, arthritic changes, or forceful twisting motions of the knee.
• Patellar tendonitis: A repetitive strain injury that inflames and weakens the patellar tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin, frequently seen in athletes.

Other common causes of knee pain

Chiropractors may also work with other sources of knee pain, though severe injuries and chronic diseases usually warrant consultation with a medical doctor as well.

Chiropractic care can be helpful during post-surgical rehabilitation and for overuse or sports-related injuries such as sprains and strains.

Excess body weight commonly contributes to knee pain by increasing load on the spine, hips, and knees and promoting inflammation.

Other causes of knee pain include:

• iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)
• anterior knee pain syndrome
• chondromalacia patella
• knee joint misalignment
• kneecap dislocation
• psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
• Osgood–Schlatter disease
• patellar tendinopathy
• patellofemoral syndrome
• anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Baker’s cyst
• referred pain
• knee valgus (knock-knees)
• knee bursitis
• gout

How do chiropractors treat knee pain?

Chiropractic management of knee pain depends on the root cause, symptoms, and contributing factors like excess weight, poor posture, and workplace ergonomics.

To develop a plan, the chiropractor will establish whether your knee pain stems from a primary issue or is compensatory — meaning the knee has altered alignment or function to compensate for another problem, such as tightness elsewhere in the body.

They’ll also evaluate associated symptoms, including swelling, stiffness, and weakness.

Treatment commonly targets other regions such as the neck, spine, and hips, since tightness or misalignment there can provoke knee issues. You may also have adopted altered posture and movement patterns to offload the knee.

Typical chiropractic therapies for knee pain include:

• Manual manipulation: Hands-on adjustments to align the spine and joints, decrease strain, enhance posture, and improve mobility.
• Traction: Gentle stretching of the knee to reduce inflammation and increase movement.
• Ultrasound: Sound-wave massage to ease pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Electrotherapy: Devices such as a TENS unit deliver small electrical impulses to lower swelling, relax muscles, and boost circulation.
• Cold laser: Low-level laser therapy to reduce inflammation and speed tissue repair.
• Infrared sauna: Heat from infrared therapy can lessen pain, reduce stiffness, and improve blood flow.
• Home exercise program: A personalized set of rehabilitation exercises and stretches to strengthen the knee and supporting muscles.

Chiropractors may also suggest:

• physical therapy
• massage therapy
• acupuncture
• orthotics and supportive devices
• hot and cold therapy
• kinesiology taping
• herbal supplements
• an anti-inflammatory diet
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• breathing and relaxation exercises
• mindfulness meditation
• yoga
• tai chi

What to expect from your chiropractic sessions

At your first chiropractic appointment for knee pain, the practitioner will review your personal and family medical history, lifestyle, and job duties.

They’ll ask when and how the pain began and which movements make it better or worse. Be prepared to describe the type, location, and frequency of your pain.

A physical exam will assess vitals such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. If indicated, imaging like X-rays may be ordered.

During treatment, you may stand, sit, or lie on the table and typically remain clothed. Wear comfortable, flexible attire that permits movement; thin, loose fabrics are easier to work with than bulky materials. Stretchy form-fitting clothes are acceptable.

Avoid jewelry and accessories such as belts, which can interfere with adjustments.

To find the origin of your knee pain and design a plan, the chiropractor may apply gentle pressure to tender spots, palpate the joint through movement, and listen for noises like grinding or clicking.

Your chiropractor will advise how many visits they think are necessary. Appointments are usually more frequent in the early stages of care.

Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform operations. If your condition is beyond their scope, they will refer you to an appropriate medical specialist.

Risks and considerations

Chiropractic care for knee pain is generally low-risk but isn’t appropriate for everyone. Discuss any concerns with your chiropractor or another healthcare provider to determine the best approach.

Since it helps to be relaxed during treatment, pick a chiropractor you feel comfortable with.

Some mild discomfort during adjustments is possible, but treatment should not be intensely painful. If you experience severe pain, notify the practitioner immediately. Post-treatment soreness, headaches, and tiredness are common.

If you have an inflammatory flare affecting the spine or joints, adjustments may not be recommended at that time. The chiropractor can, however, use complementary therapies to address nearby tissues and other problematic areas.

Chiropractic care may be inappropriate if you have any of the following:

• fractured bones
• torn ligaments
• osteoporosis
• bone cancer
• spinal cord disorders
• bone marrow diseases
• a high stroke risk

The bottom line

Chiropractic care is a natural, integrative option that can assist with musculoskeletal issues, including knee pain from a variety of sources. The aim is to restore mobility and function so you can move more comfortably.

Care often includes guidance on healthy lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques, exercise, and a nourishing diet.