Can Your Chiropractor Alleviate Knee Pain?

We often don’t realize how much we use our knees in our basic day-to-day functions until we experience knee pain. The most basic functions from lifting groceries, climbing the stairs, walking to your car, getting out of your car, and even getting in and out of the shower can become painful reminders when we experience knee pain. 

The good news is we don’t have to decide to live with this pain. Your local Chiropractor can initiate the work required to alleviate the pain by addressing the underlying cause. With a variety of techniques to alleviate the pain, you can be pain free again without the use of prescription medications. 

A Targeted Treatment Plan

Chiropractors commonly use a combination of treatments to reduce inflammation around the joints; soft tissue massage, manipulation, mobilization techniques, and exercise are used to treat the root cause of the issue rather than mask it with pain killers. The combination of methods that will be unique to you will reduce pain and improve your range of motion in the surrounding joints. The goal here is always to improve your overall function.

The development of a targeted treatment plan will be created through an awareness of your medical history and Chiropractic biophysics. This is to ensure the correct treatment plan is delivered and the results will be measurable. There are several reasons you could be experiencing knee pain; your spine can be misaligned, it could be joint weakness, trauma, inflammation, arthritis, injury, your gait, muscle weakness, or weight. Whatever the cause, your Chiropractor will discover which combination it is, and you’ll be well on your way to being pain free. 

Why Seek Treatment?

Knee pain can become increasingly worse before it gets better. Once the discomfort is severe enough to limit your ability to function normally in your day to day life, you need to seek the consultation of a Chiropractor. Limiting your activity and seeking pain medication will not treat the cause of the pain, leaving you susceptible to further pain and discomfort at a later date. Good Chiropractic care will allow you to make lifestyle changes so you can live pain-free.

Many people are now feeling the effects of being homebound. Whether it’s a lack of activity, weight gain, or a combination of both – getting back into alignment both physically and mentally are imperative to your health. Chronic pain or discomfort paired with a drastic change in routine can be a difficult combination for anyone, and particularly for those who struggle with their mental wellness. We all have to remain responsible for our own health and healing consistently, otherwise our bodies will deteriorate and the healing processes become increasingly more difficult.

If you are experiencing pain in one or both of your knees, now is the time to consult with your Chiropractor before it becomes worse. Being aware of, and taking steps towards optimal health will allow you to live your best life. Now that we have all experienced a disruption in our everyday lives, it’s important that we continue to work towards a new lifestyle – one that we call all be proud of.

 

The Link Between Chiro and Mindfulness

Mindfulness has become one of the fastest growing forms of self care in North America. Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, and is widely used to relieve stress and reduce cortisol levels in our bodies. Cortisol is overproduced in our bodies when there is stress or trauma. Increased Cortisol is a contributor to inflammation, so anything that allows us to reduce cortisol naturally is good for your mind and your body. Decreased cortisol leads to reduced anxiety, better sleep, less stress, and reduced pain.

Mindfulness and meditation is easy to implement, it’s inexpensive, and allows people the autonomy to work towards improvement at their own pace. Simply put, mindfulness involve practicing breath, posture, remaining in the moment, and an awareness of the space you occupy. Just a few minutes a day can lead to a noticeable difference in your mental clarity and overall mental wellness.

Once you have a routine established, the rest is quick and easy. What are the key components of being mindfulness ready? 

  • Choose a time, make it the same time everyday.
  • Choose a place and be consistent with it.
  • Set a duration. 10 minutes, 20 minutes, you can increase it as time goes on but start small.
  • Set an intention. Remind yourself why you are meditating.
  • Watch your posture. Start with your back against the wall to ensure a straight spine while letting your shoulders and knees fall and relax.
  • Inhale and exhale deeply from your belly.
  • Pay attention to your breath.
  • Let all of your thoughts about what else you are doing for the day leave your mind and remain in the moment.

Remember that Mindfulness is noticing this moment and everything in it, in its purest form. It takes time to develop this skill, so please be patient with yourself. Some individuals can jump right into 20-30 minutes mindfulness routines, while others can only last 2 minutes. Meditation isn’t as much an activity as much as it’s a practice. Taking time to perfect it for you is the key to successful mindfulness. Practice, patience, and being flexible with your goals will help you on this journey. The combination of breathing, mental imagery, awareness of your body and mind, along with muscle relaxation and an overall sense of peace is the ultimate goal.

The Benefits of Mindfulness

  • Stress reduction.
  • Improved relationships.
  • Reduction of chronic pain.
  • Better sleep.
  • Weight management.
  • Improved heart health.
  • Better emotional regulation.
  • Improved memory.

There are so many great takeaways from mindfulness practices. The simplicity is what makes it something that anyone can benefit from. We naturally practice mindfulness during everyday moments like when we’re gardening, listening to music, self talking, in the shower or even when we’re cleaning. If you can focus on quieting that voice in your head that races away from you with thoughts, lists, expectations, “what ifs” and memories you’re already in the mindfulness practice. 

Where to Begin

Many people will identify what their medium of choice is first. Some love videos, some love podcasts, others prefer to be in the presence of others,many people prefer to use apps, some like to read instructions. Whatever your vehicle of knowledge is, dive right in and do a search. And remember, you don’t have to stick with the first one you find, or what a friend suggests. You’ll know what’s right for you when you begin, and you experience how you feel afterwards; and like with everything else you can make adjustments accordingly.

It’s great to know that we are able to take much of our health into our own hands. Mindfulness in combination with Chiropractic, massage, nutrition, and exercise is a perfect combination for reducing stress and being able to be more relaxed and efficient daily.