Knee on Trac
What is Knee-On-Trac?
Knee-On-Trac offers a gentle, non-surgical solution for knee pain. The machine works by carefully and comfortably pulling to create a tiny bit of space in your knee joint. This space takes the pressure off the painful parts of your knee. When the joint is open like this, more blood and healthy fluids can get inside, which helps to reduce swelling and improve flexibility. A trained professional sets the exact amount of pull needed for your specific condition, making it a safe and controlled form of physical therapy.
Knee-On-Trac: Enhancing Chiropractic and Physical Therapy for Degenerative Knees
Knee-On-Trac isn’t just another device—it’s a powerful tool that bridges chiropractic care and physical therapy to transform outcomes for patients suffering from degenerative knee conditions like osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD). While both disciplines utilize this non-surgical traction system, their approaches and integration differ meaningfully. Here’s how Knee-On-Trac benefits specific conditions—and why a chiropractic-centered approach often offers unique advantages over traditional PT.
Conditions That Respond Well to Knee-On-Trac
Knee traction is especially effective for:
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- Mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- Post-acute knee injuries (after the initial inflammation phase)
- Joint stiffness without total cartilage loss
- Meniscus wear or mild cartilage thinning
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Note: In severe “bone-on-bone” degeneration, traction provides pain control and prepares patients for surgery (prehab), but structural improvements are limited.
How Knee-On-Trac Works: The Science Behind the Relief
- Joint Decompression – By gently separating the femur and tibia, Knee-On-Trac creates space in the joint. This immediately reduces pressure on worn cartilage, irritated meniscus tissue, and nerve endings—offering instant pain relief.
- Enhanced Synovial Fluid Circulation – The created space encourages fresh synovial fluid to bathe the joint. This natural lubricant reduces stiffness, improves mobility, and delivers nutrients for gentle healing.
- Nerve & Tissue Decompression – Inflammation often compresses surrounding nerves (e.g., the saphenous nerve). Traction relieves this pressure, diminishing tingling, burning, or radiating pain.
- Reduced Swelling & Pain – Patients frequently describe feeling “lighter” and more mobile post-treatment as fluid drains from the joint space.
- Delay of Invasive Interventions – Consistent traction sessions can postpone the need for cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid gels, or even surgery—especially when combined with targeted therapies.
Chiropractic Care vs. Physical Therapy: How Each Uses Knee-On-Trac
| Aspect | Chiropractic Care | Traditional Physical Therapy |
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| Core Philosophy | Focuses on nervous system optimization. Chiropractors believe spinal alignment impacts joint health. Knee traction is integrated with spinal adjustments to improve nerve signaling to the knee. | Emphasizes mechanical restoration—muscle strength, range of motion, and functional movement patterns. Traction is one tool in a rehab protocol. |
| Treatment Integration | • Spinal adjustments to optimize nerve flow to the lower limbs • Soft-tissue work (including instrument-assisted techniques) • Joint mobilization beyond the knee (hip, ankle, spine) • Education on posture, gait, and ergonomics |
• Strengthening exercises (quads, hamstrings, glutes) • Manual therapy focused only on the knee/leg • Modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or cryotherapy • Gait training & functional drills |
| Holistic Approach | Treats the knee as part of a whole-body system. Misalignments in the pelvis or spine are corrected to prevent compensatory knee stress. | Treats the knee in isolation, addressing local impairments (e.g., muscle weakness, scar tissue). |
| Modalities Combined | Often pairs Knee-On-Trac with: • Chiropractic adjustments (spine/pelvis) • Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization • Reiki or energy work (in some practices) • Lifestyle counseling (ergonomics, sleep, stress) |
Frequently combines traction with: • Strengthening & resistance training • Manual therapy (joint mobilizations, soft tissue) • Cold laser, red light, dry needling, H-wave • Compression/cryotherapy |
| Patient Education | Teaches patients how spinal health, posture, and movement mechanics influence knee degeneration—empowering long-term change. | Focuses on exercise compliance, weight management, and activity modification specific to knee health. |
| Regenerative Collaboration | May coordinate with chiropractic-friendly regenerative specialists for PRP or stem cell therapy—emphasizing nervous system readiness for healing. | Often collaborates with orthopedic surgeons or sports medicine physicians for injections/PRP. |
Why Chiropractic Integration Enhances Knee-On-Trac Results
Chiropractors view the knee as a “downstream” reflection of spinal and pelvic health. By correcting vertebral subluxations or pelvic tilt, they restore optimal nerve communication to the knee—amplifying traction’s benefits. For example:
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- A patient with chronic knee pain and low back dysfunction may experience greater pain relief when traction is paired with lumbar adjustments.
- Pelvic misalignment often causes uneven knee loading. Chiropractors address this, ensuring traction works more efficiently.
This holistic perspective addresses the root cause—not just symptoms—leading to faster, longer-lasting mobility gains.
The Ideal Protocol: Combining Forces
For best results, Knee-On-Trac should never be used in isolation. At integrative clinics like Spring Physical Therapy (which blends PT and chiropractic principles), a comprehensive plan includes:
✅ Knee-On-Trac traction (customized poundage)
✅ Targeted strengthening (quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes)
✅ Manual therapy (joint mobilizations + soft tissue work)
✅ Anti-inflammatory modalities – Red light therapy, cold laser, or H-wave
✅ Mobility drills for hips, ankles, and spine
✅ Weight management & activity coaching
✅ Regenerative options (PRP, hyaluronic acid gels) when medically indicated
For severe “bone-on-bone” cases, traction becomes part of prehab: strengthening surrounding muscles to maximize surgical outcomes. Studies show prehabbed patients recover 30–50% faster post-surgery!
Who Should Consider Knee-On-Trac?
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- Adults with mild-to-moderate OA or DJD
- Post-knee-injury patients in the recovery phase
- Individuals experiencing stiffness, swelling, or nerve-related knee pain
- Patients seeking to delay or avoid injections/surgery
Not ideal for: Advanced bone-on-bone arthritis, active infections, or severe ligament tears.
Bottom Line: Whether through chiropractic or physical therapy, Knee-On-Trac is a game-changer for degenerative knees. But when chiropractors integrate it with spinal care and holistic wellness, patients often unlock deeper, more sustainable relief. Always pair traction with a tailored exercise program, manual therapy, and lifestyle strategies—for a truly transformative recovery.