KNEE-TRAC AXIAL KNEE DECOMPRESSION FOR KNEE PAIN RELIEF

What is Knee-Trac?

Knee-Trac is an earlier version of the Knee on Trac device made by Ergo-Flex Technologies, formerly known as Platinum Innovations. It is designed to gently separate the knee joint during treatment, which may help reduce pressure, improve motion, and create a better environment for healing.

This gentle decompression may also help fresh joint fluid move through the knee and bathe the cartilage. In turn, that fluid may help carry nutrients and healing factors into the damaged area over time. A simple way to think about it is this: just as clean fluid helps a car run better, healthier joint fluid may help support better knee function.

In my office, I use Knee-Trac as part of a broader, individualized approach to chronic knee pain. I was trained in this method by the owner of Ergo-Flex Technologies and by Dr. Andy Barlow, DC, of Tupelo, Mississippi. That training, combined with my background in neurological chiropractic care, helps me determine when knee decompression belongs in your plan and what other procedures may be needed for the best possible outcome.

The knee does not work in isolation

If you have chronic knee pain, it is important to understand that the knee is not an isolated hinge. Your knee is affected by the motion and stability of the ankle, hip, pelvis, and lower back, along with the muscles and nerves that operate across those joints.

When one part of that chain is not moving well, the forces on the knee change. Muscles that should be supporting the knee may not fire with the right timing or strength. Other tissues may tighten, compensate, or become irritated. This is one reason you may continue to struggle even after trying procedures that focus only on the painful spot.

That is why I evaluate the whole kinetic chain. I look at joint motion, muscle function, nerve involvement, imaging findings, and movement patterns before deciding what belongs in your care plan.

How Knee-Trac may help

Knee-Trac works by gently separating the joint space between the femur and tibia. This decompression may help reduce compression inside the knee, improve mobility, and support the movement of fluid and nutrients within the joint.

How Mechanical Knee Decompression Works

• Joint Separation: The device applies a calibrated, controlled pull to gently separate the femur (thigh bone) from the tibia (shin bone).
• Vacuum Effect: This traction creates a minor negative pressure or space inside the joint capsule, which may help circulate nutrient-rich synovial fluid into avascular cartilage.
• Soft Tissue Stretching: It aims to reduce pressure on irritated bone surfaces and gently stretch surrounding scar tissue or tight ligaments.

What a session may involve

A typical session lasts about 8 to 15 minutes per knee. You are seated with your leg positioned comfortably while the upper thigh is stabilized and an inflatable cuff supports the lower leg and secures it to the tractioni mechanism. We use special material to decrease any slippage of the lower leg as tracion is applied. The pull is adjusted to your needs and comfort level and is precision computer controlled.

What you may notice early on

Some people notice changes in comfort or motion within the first few visits. Others require a longer course of care depending on how long the problem has been present, the condition of the joint, surrounding soft tissues, and the neurological and biomechanical factors involved.

What other treatments may be used along with Knee-Trac?

Every case is different. Your plan is tailored to your specific case based on your examination and imaging findings. Your plan may include one or more of the following along with Knee Trac:

• Specific spinal adjustments to address nerve involvement affecting the muscles that support the knee
• Extremity adjustments to the ankle, knee, and hip
• Trigenics® to help improve abnormal muscle firing patterns and support better strength and movement
• Class IV Laser Therapy
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
• Nutritional support for tissue healing, inflammation control, and nerve support
• Individualized exercises or movement recommendations
• Foot Levelers orthotic recommendations when needed

Your plan is tailored to your specific case based on your examination and imaging findings.

Who may be a candidate?

People with chronic knee pain, osteoarthritic degeneration, older sprain or strain patterns, certain meniscus-related complaints, and movement limitations may be candidates for this type of care. The first step is a consultation and examination so I can determine what is driving your knee pain and whether this approach is appropriate for you.

Why a broader evaluation matters

Many chronic knee pain sufferers are told they simply have to live with it, reduce activity, or prepare for more invasive procedures. In some cases, that advice is premature.

The source of knee pain is not always the knee joint alone. Loss of motion in the hip or ankle, altered spinal mechanics, weakness in the supportive muscles, and poor nerve-to-muscle communication can all change how the knee functions. When those factors are missed, the knee may continue to be overloaded.

Let me explain it another way. If one link in a chain is not working correctly, the entire chain is affected. The same is true with the lower body. To help your knee, we often need to improve the quality of motion and control throughout the whole system.

What you may notice

The goals of care are straightforward:

• Less pain with walking, standing, and stairs
• Better knee motion
• Improved confidence when getting up from a chair or moving around
• Better support from the muscles that cross the knee
• A plan built around your specific findings rather than a one-size-fits-all routine

Frequently asked questions

Is Knee-Trac the only treatment I would receive?

Not usually. Every case is different. Your plan is tailored to your specific case based on your examination and imaging findings.

• Specific spinal adjustments to address nerve involvement affecting the muscles that support the knee, along with extremity adjustments to the ankle, knee, and hip because the whole kinetic chain must be taken into account.
• Extremity adjustments to the ankle, knee, and hip
• Trigenics® to help improve abnormal muscle firing patterns and support better strength and movement
• Class IV Laser Therapy
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
• Nutritional support for tissue healing, inflammation control, and nerve support
• Individualized exercises or movement recommendations
• Foot Levelers orthotic recommendations when needed

What does a session feel like?

Most people describe the pull as gentle and is computer controlled. Your leg is supported and positioned carefully while the settings are adjusted to your comfort level.

How soon might I notice a change?

Some people notice changes in comfort or motion within the first few visits. Others need a longer process depending on the severity of the problem, the amount of degeneration present, and the other factors contributing to the knee pain.

How do you decide what care I need?

I make that decision based on your history, examination findings, movement patterns, and imaging. Your plan is designed around your specific case rather than a generic knee protocol.

Take a closer look at your chronic knee pain

If your knee pain has been limiting your walking, exercise, stairs, or daily life, it may be time to take a closer look at what is really driving the problem. In many cases, better answers begin with a more complete evaluation of the joint mechanics, the supporting muscles, and the neurological control of the entire lower-extremity chain.

To schedule an appointment with us, call 586-731-8840.

 *The trademark Trigenics® is owned by the International Institute of Trigenics® Inc. Johnson Chiropractic Neurology & Nutrition is a licensee of the trademark