Knee pain can significantly impact one’s quality of life, hindering mobility and causing discomfort. The knee joint, a complex structure comprising bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, is vulnerable to various conditions that result in pain and dysfunction. From ACL and PCL injuries to chondromalacia and knee arthritis, these conditions can be debilitating. Atlas Medical Center offers knee pain therapy in Fort Worth with non-surgical, regenerative treatments to provide effective pain relief, restore optimal mobility, and restore knee function without opioids or surgery.
ACL or PCL Injury
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) injuries are common causes of knee pain. These ligaments play a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint. An ACL injury typically occurs when there is a sudden change in direction or a forceful impact, while PCL injuries often result from direct blows to the knee or landing awkwardly on a bent knee. Both injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, instability, and limited mobility, requiring medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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What Is Chondromalacia?
Chondromalacia, also known as runner’s knee, is characterized by the softening and deterioration of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap. It is often caused by repetitive stress or overuse, leading to knee pain, aching, and a grinding sensation when bending or straightening the knee. This condition is commonly seen in athletes, particularly runners, and individuals who engage in activities that place excessive strain on the knee joint. Proper diagnosis and proper knee pain therapy in Fort Worth is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.
Signs & Symptoms of a Knee Injury
Knee pain can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to degenerative conditions, such as arthritis. Because the knee joint supports nearly all body movement, from walking and climbing stairs to exercising, any damage can have a noticeable impact on daily life. Identifying the early signs of a problem is crucial to preventing further deterioration and ensuring effective treatment.
Whether caused by overuse, trauma, or age-related wear and tear, knee injuries and arthritis often share similar symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. You may notice one or more of the following warning signs:
- Persistent pain or stiffness around the knee joint
- Swelling, redness, or warmth indicating inflammation
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds during movement
- Difficulty bending, straightening, or putting weight on the leg
- A feeling of weakness, instability, or “giving way” while walking
- Reduced range of motion or loss of flexibility
- Pain that worsens with activity or after prolonged sitting or standing
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that involves the tearing of the rubbery, C-shaped cartilage called the meniscus. It can occur due to sudden twisting, pivoting movements, or degenerative changes over time. Meniscus tears often cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and a sensation of catching or locking in the knee joint. The severity of symptoms can vary, ranging from mild discomfort to significant functional impairment. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to relieve symptoms and restore knee function. To learn more about meniscus tear treatment in Fort Worth, contact our office for an appointment.
Other Chronic Knee Pain
In addition to the previously mentioned conditions, there are several other causes of chronic knee pain. Patellofemoral pain syndrome involves pain around or behind the kneecap and is often associated with activities that involve repetitive knee bending. Bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint, can result in localized pain and swelling. IT band syndrome, caused by irritation of the iliotibial band, can cause sharp pain on the outer side of the knee. These conditions require proper evaluation and management.
Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis refers to the inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. There are several types of knee arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, typically resulting from wear and tear on the joint over time. Knee arthritis can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life, necessitating proper diagnosis and management to minimize pain and preserve joint function. At Atlas Medical Center in Fort Worth, we can treat the symptoms of knee arthritis to offer relief from pain and discomfort, so you can get back to living your life.
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Knee Pain Treatment Options in Fort Worth
Hyaluronic Gel Injections
Hyaluronic gel injections, such as Genvisc850, Gelsyn-3, and Supartz FX, provide cushioning and lubrication to the knee joint, particularly for those suffering from osteoarthritis. They mimic the natural synovial fluid in the knee, reducing friction and improving joint movement. By restoring the knee’s natural shock-absorbing properties, hyaluronic injections help alleviate pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Cortisone injections can also reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain, but they don’t address the underlying causes of knee pain.
BMAC
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), commonly known as stem cell therapy, involves harvesting stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow to promote healing and regeneration of damaged knee tissue. It is ideal for knee arthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries (ACL or PCL). The stem cells help reduce inflammation, repair cartilage, and improve knee function. BMAC therapy offers a non-surgical alternative that utilizes the body’s natural healing capabilities, making it a promising option for those seeking long-term recovery.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy uses a concentration of platelets derived from the patient’s blood to accelerate healing. The platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration in the knee joint. PRP is particularly effective for soft tissue injuries, such as ligament tears, tendon injuries, and early-stage arthritis. It can also improve recovery from surgery or other therapies. By promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation, PRP helps restore knee function and relieve pain with minimal risk of adverse reactions.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to reduce inflammation, stimulate cellular repair, and relieve knee pain. The laser penetrates the skin and targets damaged tissue, encouraging cell regeneration without causing thermal effects or tissue damage. It’s suitable for various knee conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, and ligament injuries. Cold laser therapy is painless and involves no downtime, making it excellent for patients seeking relief from chronic knee pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical methods for recovering from knee pain. It focuses on restoring balance, joint stability, and a full range of motion through exercises, manual therapy, and functional movement training. The goal is to relieve pain while correcting the underlying biomechanical imbalances that contribute to discomfort or limited mobility. With regular sessions, patients can rebuild strength, enhance coordination, and prevent recurring injuries that often result from poor movement patterns or muscle weakness.
At Atlas Medical Center, we integrate physical therapy as part of our regenerative approach, enhancing your body’s natural ability to heal while reducing dependency on pain medications or surgery. Our experienced team tailors each physical therapy plan to your specific condition and stage of recovery, ensuring safe, steady, and lasting results.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a cornerstone of our non-surgical approach to knee pain treatment. Many patients develop knee discomfort not only from direct injury but also from misalignments in the spine, hips, or pelvis that alter the way force is distributed through the legs. These imbalances can aggravate joint strain, muscle tension, and inflammation, leading to chronic pain or limited motion. Through spinal and joint adjustments, chiropractic care restores alignment, improves biomechanics, and relieves pressure on the surrounding soft tissues.
At Atlas Medical Center, our chiropractors use precise adjustments and joint mobilization techniques to restore proper alignment, enhance function, and promote regeneration. By combining chiropractic care with restorative therapies like PRP, BMAC, and cold laser therapy, we deliver whole-body recovery for lasting relief from accidents, injuries, or chronic conditions.
Myofascial Therapy
Myofascial therapy focuses on relieving pain by targeting the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds muscles and joints. In cases of chronic knee pain, tightness or restriction in the fascia can contribute to discomfort and limited mobility. Myofascial release involves gentle stretching and manipulation of the fascia to release tension, improve circulation, and enhance movement in the knee joint. This therapy is particularly effective for conditions related to overuse or repetitive strain, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome or IT band syndrome.
Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Knee Pain & Injury Treatment
Knee pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating injury, affecting your ability to walk, exercise, or perform daily activities. When seeking treatment, understanding the difference between non-surgical and surgical options is essential to making an informed decision. While surgery may be necessary for severe structural damage, many patients can achieve lasting relief and improved function through non-invasive, regenerative care.
Non-Surgical Knee Pain & Injury Treatment
Non-surgical treatments focus on reducing inflammation, repairing soft tissue damage, and restoring mobility without the need for incisions or prolonged downtime. At Atlas Medical Center, we offer a range of non-surgical therapies, including platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), cold laser therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and physical therapy. These approaches target the root cause of pain, enhance joint stability, and promote long-term recovery by regenerating tissue rather than merely masking symptoms.
Surgical Knee Pain & Injury Treatment
Surgical knee treatment options, such as arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, or total knee replacement, are typically reserved for advanced or traumatic injuries where the joint structure is severely compromised. While surgery can restore stability and alignment, it comes with inherent risks, including infection, scar tissue formation, and lengthy rehabilitation. Many patients also experience lingering stiffness or discomfort even after surgical correction.
In most cases, non-surgical knee pain and injury treatments offer effective and sustainable relief while preserving natural joint function. By addressing pain through regenerative medicine, targeted therapies, and alignment correction, you may recover faster, avoid unnecessary procedures, and return to your active lifestyle without the risks and downtime associated with surgery.
How to Prevent Knee Injury
Keeping your knees healthy is essential for maintaining mobility, balance, and an active lifestyle. Whether you’re an athlete or simply enjoy staying active, proactive care can reduce your risk of pain or injury. Here are several strategies to help protect and strengthen your knees.
Maintain a Balanced Exercise Routine
Incorporate strength training, flexibility exercises, and low-impact cardio into your weekly routine. Strengthening your quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles stabilizes the knee joint and improves balance. Activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga enhance mobility while minimizing stress on the joints, reducing the risk of strain or overuse injuries.
Focus on Proper Movement and Posture
Incorrect movement patterns during workouts or daily activities can gradually damage your knees. Learn proper lifting, running, and squatting techniques, and always warm up before exercise. Good posture helps evenly distribute weight through your lower body, reducing uneven pressure on the knees and supporting long-term joint alignment.
Support Joint Health Through Nutrition
A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, and collagen supports cartilage strength and knee joint elasticity. Foods such as salmon, leafy greens, and berries reduce inflammation and promote knee joint repair. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition also reduces excess strain on the knees.
Stay Hydrated to Protect Joint Lubrication
Hydration is crucial for joint health, as the knee’s cartilage relies on fluid to stay cushioned and flexible. Dehydration can reduce the knee’s ability to absorb shock, leading to stiffness or even pain and discomfort. Drink plenty of water daily, especially before and after physical activity, to keep your knee joints moving smoothly.
Schedule Regular Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Care
Routine chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy sessions can help maintain proper joint alignment, muscle balance, and flexibility. These treatments address any biomechanical issues before they lead to injury, improve posture, and enhance recovery after activity, keeping your knees strong, mobile, and pain-free for years to come.
Knee Pain Therapy FAQs
What is the expected recovery time after a knee injury?
The recovery time after knee pain therapy varies depending on the condition and treatment. For many patients, improvement can be noticed within a few weeks, but full recovery may take several months, especially for severe injuries such as ACL or meniscus tears. Your healthcare provider will offer a recovery timeline based on your condition and response to treatment.
Are there any risks associated with the therapies?
Non-surgical regenerative treatments for knee pain, such as stem cell therapy and PRP, are generally considered safe with minimal risks. However, like any medical procedure, there is a possibility of side effects, including temporary swelling, discomfort, or infection at the injection site. Your doctor will take all measures to minimize risks and ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.
How many sessions do I need to get relief from knee pain?
The number of knee pain therapy sessions required depends on the severity of your knee condition and your body’s response to treatment. Most patients benefit from multiple sessions, with improvements typically seen after three to five treatments. Your doctor will develop a tailored treatment plan to maximize effectiveness.
Can gaining weight affect my knees?
Yes. Carrying extra body weight places additional stress on the knee joints, particularly the cartilage and supporting ligaments. Over time, this excess pressure can accelerate joint wear, increase inflammation, and contribute to chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or patellofemoral pain syndrome. Even modest weight gain can significantly impact knee comfort and mobility.
At Atlas Medical Center, we offer medical weight loss programs using Semaglutide to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight safely. By reducing excess body fat, you can relieve strain on your knees, improve flexibility, and enhance the results of your regenerative knee pain treatments.
Knee Pain Therapy Testimonials
Why Choose Atlas Medical Center in Fort Worth?
Atlas Medical Center offers a range of non-surgical reparative, restorative, and healing therapies to alleviate knee pain and promote recovery. Our services include stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), chiropractic adjustments, cold laser therapy, and spinal decompression. By harnessing the body’s natural ability to repair itself, we provide effective and long-lasting relief. We encourage you to schedule a consultation and explore our innovative treatment options for knee pain therapy in Fort Worth.
