Knee Pain
Knee pain can make walking, climbing stairs, and staying active difficult and frustrating. It may build up slowly from overuse, poor movement patterns, or arthritis, or appear suddenly after an injury or sports activity. At KIRO, our chiropractors focus on finding the root cause of your knee pain, improving joint alignment and mobility, easing muscle strain, and guiding strength and movement strategies so you can stay active and move with confidence.
Why does knee pain occur?
Knee pain can come from irritation or injury to the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or muscles that support the joint. Overuse from running, jumping, or repetitive bending can inflame tissues like the patellar tendon. Poor movement patterns, such as knees collapsing inward or weak hip and core muscles, increase stress on the joint. Arthritis, past injuries, or sudden trauma like twisting or falling can also damage cartilage and ligaments, leading to pain and stiffness.
What are the common symptoms of knee pain?
Knee pain may feel like aching, sharp discomfort, or stiffness around the joint, often worse with walking, stairs, squatting, or running. Some people notice swelling, popping or grinding sounds, weakness, or a feeling that the knee might “give out.” Pain can also increase after long periods of sitting or activity and sometimes radiates up or down the leg.
Who is most at risk of getting knee pain?
Anyone who runs, jumps, or does repetitive knee bending is more likely to develop knee pain, especially athletes in sports like basketball, soccer, or running. People who sit for long periods or have weak hip and core muscles may overload the knees without realizing it. Risk also increases with age as cartilage wears down and arthritis develops. Prior knee injuries, excess body weight, and poor footwear or training surfaces can add extra strain and make knee pain more likely.
How do KIRO doctors treat knee pain?
At KIRO, care for knee pain starts with a detailed exam of your knees, hips, and ankles, plus a baseline Nervous System Scan to see how joint mechanics and nerve function are affecting movement.
Symptomatic phase (first few weeks): We focus on calming pain and reducing irritation. This often includes gentle chiropractic adjustments to the knee, hips, and lower back to improve alignment, soft-tissue therapy for tight or inflamed muscles and tendons, and mobility drills to restore safe motion. We also guide short-term activity changes to avoid overload while healing begins.
Corrective phase (next 6–8 weeks): Care shifts toward rebuilding stability and improving movement patterns. We work on strengthening the hips, quads, and glutes to better support the knee, and coach proper squatting, running, and walking mechanics to reduce strain.
Preventive phase (ongoing): Periodic adjustments and progressive strengthening help maintain healthy alignment, reduce flare-ups, and support long-term knee function.
We track your progress with monthly Nervous System Scans and rotate doctors during your care to give you multiple expert perspectives and the safest, most effective treatment.
How long does treatment take for knee pain?
Most people start to feel less pain and better movement within the first few weeks of care. Rebuilding strength, stability, and healthy movement patterns usually takes another 6–8 weeks. Chronic or more severe knee issues can take several months, but steady progress is expected when treatment and exercises are followed consistently.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for knee pain?
Chiropractic care for knee pain provides several important benefits, including:
Faster pain relief and reduced joint irritation
Improved knee motion and flexibility for easier walking, stairs, and activity
Better alignment of the hips, pelvis, and ankles to offload the knee
Guided strengthening of quads, glutes, and hamstrings for long-term support
A non-drug, non-surgical approach to recovery
These benefits help you move more comfortably, return to activity, and reduce the risk of future knee problems.
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Schedule your first appointment for just $39.
Includes an Exam, Consultation, and Total-Spinal Adjustment.
Bonus: your $39 is fully-refundable if you decide to become a Member and begin treatment with our doctors during your appointment.