Knee Injury Treatment in Fremont, CA
Knee pain can sideline even the most active individuals — making it painful to walk, climb stairs, exercise, or simply stand for extended periods. At Joly Chiropractic in Fremont, CA, Dr. Joseph J. Joly takes a comprehensive approach to knee injuries that evaluates not just the knee itself, but the entire lower extremity kinetic chain — because knee problems frequently have contributing factors at the hip, ankle, and lumbar spine. Using precise extremity adjustments and Active Release Technique (ART), we address both the joint dysfunction and the soft tissue damage driving your knee pain. Call (510) 249-9037 to schedule your evaluation.
Common Knee Injuries and Conditions We Treat
The knee is the largest joint in the body and one of the most mechanically complex — bearing the body’s weight while allowing a wide range of movement. This makes it particularly vulnerable to both acute traumatic injury and the cumulative effects of repetitive activity and biomechanical dysfunction. Common knee conditions we treat at Joly Chiropractic include:
Ligament Sprains (MCL, LCL, ACL): Knee ligament injuries range from mild sprains to complete tears. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) commonly sprain from sudden directional changes or lateral force. Even after structural healing, ligament sprains leave behind scar tissue and altered joint mechanics that benefit from chiropractic extremity care and ART.
Meniscus Injuries: The menisci are the cartilage pads that cushion the knee joint and distribute load. Meniscus tears — from twisting injuries or degenerative wear — produce pain, swelling, clicking, and restricted motion. Conservative chiropractic care addresses the surrounding joint dysfunction and soft tissue changes that accompany meniscal injury.
Patellofemoral Syndrome (Runner’s Knee): Pain around the kneecap, particularly with running, stair climbing, or prolonged sitting, is often the result of abnormal patellar tracking from muscle imbalances, hip dysfunction, or altered lower extremity biomechanics. ART and hip and knee extremity assessment are highly effective for this condition.
IT Band Syndrome: Iliotibial band syndrome produces sharp pain on the outer side of the knee during running or repetitive activity. The IT band — a thick band of fascia running from the hip to just below the knee — develops adhesions that cause it to rub painfully over the lateral knee. ART directly targets and breaks down these IT band adhesions.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee): Repetitive stress to the patellar tendon — common in jumping and running sports — creates scar tissue and degeneration that produces pain just below the kneecap. ART addresses the tendon pathology directly.
Knee Osteoarthritis: Degenerative changes in the knee joint produce progressive pain, stiffness, and reduced function. While arthritis is not reversible, its symptoms can be significantly managed through chiropractic care — improving joint mechanics, reducing inflammation, and maintaining the range of motion needed for daily activity.
Post-Surgical Knee Rehabilitation: After knee surgery — whether ligament reconstruction, meniscectomy, or knee replacement — chiropractic care and ART can help address the scar tissue, joint restriction, and biomechanical dysfunction that commonly develop during recovery, supporting a more complete functional return.
Why the Whole Body Matters for Knee Pain
One of the most important principles in treating knee pain is understanding that the knee rarely acts in isolation. Hip weakness, hip joint dysfunction, foot and ankle problems, and lumbar spinal misalignment all create altered movement patterns that place abnormal stress on the knee. Treating the knee without assessing and addressing these contributing factors leads to incomplete results and high rates of recurrence.
At Joly Chiropractic, Dr. Joly evaluates the full lower extremity kinetic chain — including the lumbar spine, hip, and ankle — as part of every knee injury assessment. This comprehensive approach identifies the root causes of your knee pain rather than just treating the knee in isolation. Visit our hip pain page and ankle sprains page for more on how these adjacent structures affect knee health. Call (510) 249-9037 or schedule your appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Injury Treatment
Can a chiropractor treat knee injuries?
Yes. Chiropractors who specialize in extremity care — like Dr. Joly — are trained to assess and treat a wide range of knee conditions including ligament sprains, meniscal irritation, IT band syndrome, patellofemoral syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, and knee osteoarthritis. At Joly Chiropractic, knee treatment combines precise extremity adjustments with ART to address both joint and soft tissue dysfunction comprehensively.
How does ART help with knee pain?
ART breaks down the scar tissue and fascial adhesions that develop in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the knee from injury or repetitive use. For conditions like IT band syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, and post-sprain stiffness, ART restores normal tissue gliding and movement — often producing rapid, meaningful improvement in pain and function where stretching and rest alone have failed.
Can hip problems cause knee pain?
Yes — and this is one of the most commonly overlooked contributors to knee pain. When the hip abductors are weak or the hip joint is restricted, the femur (thigh bone) internally rotates during weight-bearing activity, creating abnormal stress at the knee. This altered mechanics is a primary driver of patellofemoral syndrome, IT band syndrome, and many other knee conditions. Treating the hip as part of a comprehensive knee care plan is essential for lasting results. Visit our hip pain page for more information.
Do I need an MRI before seeing a chiropractor for knee pain?
Not necessarily. Dr. Joly can perform a thorough clinical examination of the knee to identify the likely source of your pain and determine an appropriate treatment plan. If imaging is needed to rule out a structural injury such as a significant ligament tear or meniscal pathology that might require surgical evaluation, he will recommend it. If you already have an MRI, bring it — it provides valuable information for your assessment.
How many visits will it take to resolve my knee pain?
This depends on the type, severity, and duration of your knee condition. Acute soft tissue injuries and mild sprains often respond within 4 to 8 visits. Chronic conditions like IT band syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, and knee osteoarthritis typically require a longer course of care with progressive improvement over several weeks to months. Dr. Joly will provide a realistic estimate after your evaluation.
Can chiropractic care help knee pain from arthritis?
Yes — significantly, in many cases. While arthritis itself cannot be reversed, the pain, stiffness, and functional limitation it causes can be meaningfully reduced through chiropractic care. Improving knee joint mechanics, reducing the mechanical load through gait and alignment correction, and treating the surrounding soft tissue restriction all contribute to better function and less pain in arthritic knees. Regular chiropractic maintenance care can help slow the rate of functional decline over time.
How do I schedule a knee injury evaluation at Joly Chiropractic?
Call (510) 249-9037 or use our online appointment form to book your first visit. The consultation is free and the first exam and treatment visit is $65. Visit our new patient page for intake forms and details on your first appointment.
