Knee Pain
Knee Pain Treatment in Burnsville, MN
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints across all ages — from young athletes dealing with overuse injuries to older adults managing the effects of arthritis and degeneration. At Peak Performance Chiropractic Center, we take a thorough, functional approach to identifying the root cause of your knee pain and building a care plan that gets you back to full activity.
What Causes Knee Pain?
The knee is a complex joint that relies on the proper coordination of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and the surrounding musculature. Common causes of knee pain include:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee): Irritation of the cartilage beneath the kneecap, often caused by poor tracking of the patella due to muscle imbalances or overuse. It produces a dull ache around or behind the kneecap that worsens with stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band Syndrome): The IT band is a thick band of connective tissue running from the hip to the outside of the knee. When it becomes tight and inflamed, it causes sharp lateral knee pain that is especially common in runners and cyclists.
Meniscus Injuries: The menisci are C-shaped cartilage pads that cushion the knee joint. Tears can result from a sudden twist or rotation during sport, or from gradual degeneration with age. Symptoms typically include joint line pain, swelling, and a sense of locking or catching in the knee.
Ligament Sprains: The ACL, MCL, LCL, and PCL each provide different types of stability to the knee. Sprains range from mild stretching to complete tears and are common in contact sports and cutting movements.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee): Overuse of the patellar tendon — which connects the kneecap to the shinbone — leads to degeneration and pain just below the kneecap. It is most common in jumping sports such as volleyball and basketball.
Osteoarthritis: Gradual breakdown of the articular cartilage in the knee joint causes pain, stiffness, and swelling that typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. Conservative care can significantly reduce symptoms and slow progression.
Hip and Ankle Dysfunction: Problems above or below the knee frequently contribute to knee pain. Poor hip stability, weak glutes, and limited ankle mobility all alter knee mechanics and increase joint stress.
Common Symptoms
Patients seeking care for knee pain at our clinic typically experience: aching or sharp pain on the front, inside, outside, or back of the knee; swelling or stiffness after activity; pain that worsens with stairs, squatting, or kneeling; a clicking, popping, or grinding sensation; giving way or instability; and difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee.
Our Approach at Peak Performance
We perform a comprehensive lower extremity assessment — evaluating the knee itself along with hip strength, ankle mobility, and overall movement mechanics — to understand exactly why the knee is under stress. Your individualized care plan may include:
Chiropractic Adjustments: Addressing joint restrictions in the knee, hip, ankle, and lumbar spine restores proper alignment and reduces abnormal forces on the knee joint.
Dry Needling: Releasing trigger points in the quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band, and calf muscles reduces referred pain and muscle tension contributing to knee dysfunction.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): Breaking down scar tissue and fascial adhesions in the patellar tendon, IT band, and surrounding soft tissues accelerates healing and restores normal tissue mobility.
StemWave Therapy: Our acoustic wave technology is highly effective for chronic tendinopathy and degenerative conditions of the knee, stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation without injections or surgery.
Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation: We build hip stability, quad and hamstring strength, and neuromuscular control — the essential foundation for long-term knee health and injury prevention.
Kinesiology Taping: Applied to offload the patellar tendon, support the knee cap, or reduce swelling — helping you stay active during recovery.
Don’t let knee pain keep you on the sidelines. Call us at (952) 807-9914 or schedule online — we serve patients from Burnsville, Savage, Eagan, Apple Valley, and the surrounding Twin Cities area.