EDUCATION MODULE: KNEE PAIN

1. Introduction and Statistics About Knee Pain

  • Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting over 25% of adults at some point in their lives.

  • It is especially prevalent among athletes, older adults, and individuals with physically demanding jobs.

  • Common conditions include arthritis, ligament injuries, and patellar issues.

  • Misconceptions: Many people believe knee pain is just a part of aging or that surgery is the only effective treatment.

2. Common Causes of Knee Pain

  • Osteoarthritis: Cartilage wear and tear causing stiffness and pain.

  • Ligament Injuries: Tears in the ACL, MCL, or other knee ligaments due to trauma or sports injuries.

  • Patellar Tracking Disorder: Misalignment of the kneecap leading to pain and instability.

  • Meniscus Tears: Damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint.

  • Tendinitis: Overuse or repetitive stress leading to inflammation of the tendons.

  • Subluxation or Misalignment: Improper alignment of the pelvis, spine, or knee affecting joint mechanics.

  • Inflammatory Conditions: Bursitis or synovitis causing swelling and discomfort.

3. How Knee Pain Can Affect the Person

  • Reduced Mobility: Difficulty walking, bending, or performing daily activities.

  • Chronic Discomfort: Persistent pain that worsens with activity or prolonged standing.

  • Compensatory Strain: Overloading other joints like the hips, ankles, or opposite knee, leading to additional issues.

  • Activity Limitations: Reduced participation in work, sports, or recreational activities.

  • Mental Strain: Chronic pain can lead to frustration, stress, and reduced quality of life.

4. How Chiropractic and The ProAdjusterSRT Can Help

  • Spinal and Joint Adjustments: Corrects misalignments to improve knee joint function and relieve pressure.

  • Neuromodulation: Reduces inflammation and pain by optimizing nervous system function.

  • Soft Tissue Therapy: Alleviates muscle tightness and improves blood flow to support healing.

  • Improved Mechanics: Enhances knee stability and alignment through adjustments and supportive care.

  • Patient Education: Visual aids and animations explain how spinal health affects knee function and how chiropractic care provides relief.

  • Evidence-Based Care: Chiropractic treatment has been shown to improve pain, mobility, and quality of life in patients with knee conditions.

5. Why Chiropractic Care Is Important for Knee Pain

  • Addresses Underlying Causes: Treats structural misalignments and muscular imbalances rather than masking symptoms.

  • Prevention: Regular care helps maintain joint health and prevents recurring knee issues.

  • Phase-Based Care:

    • Relief Phase: Provides immediate pain relief and improves basic joint mobility.

    • Corrective Phase: Restores proper alignment and strengthens the surrounding structures.

    • Wellness Phase: Maintains knee and spinal health to prevent future problems.

  • Holistic Approach: Improves overall posture and movement patterns, reducing strain on the knees.

Patient Empowerment: Encourages patients to adopt knee-friendly habits like low-impact exercises, proper footwear, and ergonomic adjustments to support long-term joint health.