Understanding Common Causes of Knee Pain and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Knee pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaints in the United States, affecting approximately 25% of adults and serving as a leading cause of physical disability (Johns Hopkins Medicine). Because the knee is a complex, weight-bearing joint, it is highly susceptible to everything from acute trauma and mechanical wear-and-tear to systemic inflammatory conditions.

At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens has spent nearly 30 years helping patients understand the root cause of their discomfort. Whether your pain is the result of a recent sports injury or years of gradual "wear and tear," our goal is to provide quick relief while supporting your long-term wellness.

Common Acute Knee Injuries

Acute injuries typically occur suddenly due to trauma or repetitive strain, affecting the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage that stabilize the joint.

• ACL Injuries: An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear often happens during sports when the knee is twisted or hyperextended. Patients frequently report a loud "pop" followed by immediate instability and swelling (Mayo Clinic).
• Meniscus Tears: The meniscus acts as a shock absorber for the knee. Forcefully twisting the knee while bearing weight can tear this cartilage, leading to stiffness, swelling, and a sensation that the knee is "locking" in place (Cleveland Clinic).
• Patellar Tendinitis: Often called "jumper's knee," this involves inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It is a common complaint for runners and athletes, presenting as sharp pain at the front of the knee (HSS).
• Knee Bursitis: Inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joint can cause localized warmth and pressure-sensitive pain, often due to repetitive kneeling (Mayo Clinic).

Mechanical Problems and Gait Disturbances

Mechanical issues involve structural abnormalities that interfere with how the knee moves. Interestingly, the source of knee pain isn't always the knee itself.

• Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome: This occurs when the tissue running from the hip to the outer knee becomes tight, causing friction against the femur. It is a frequent cause of outer knee pain in long-distance runners (Cleveland Clinic).
• Gait Disturbances: If you have pain in your hip or foot, you may unconsciously alter your walk to avoid discomfort. This change in gait places uneven stress on the knee joint, which can lead to secondary pain and accelerated joint wear (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
• Patellar Dislocation: This occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing visible deformity and intense pain (Mayo Clinic).

Chronic Conditions and Arthritis

Arthritis is the primary cause of chronic, long-term knee pain.

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Known as "wear-and-tear" arthritis, OA involves the progressive breakdown of cartilage. It often results in morning stiffness and a grinding sensation during movement (Mayo Clinic).
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack the joint lining, leading to severe inflammation and warmth, often affecting both knees at once (Cleveland Clinic).
• Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal accumulation, gout presents as sudden, excruciating attacks of pain and redness (Mayo Clinic).

The Role of Referred Pain

It is important to remember that knee pain can sometimes be "referred" from other areas of the body. For example, compression of the L3-L4 nerve roots in the lower spine can cause pain to radiate down to the knee, often accompanied by numbness or weakness in the leg (Healthgrades). This is why a thorough chiropractic evaluation is essential to determine if your knee pain is actually a symptom of a spinal misalignment.

How Dr. Owens Treats Knee Pain in Bellevue

Dr. Owens utilizes a multi-faceted approach to treat knee pain, focusing on restoring proper movement and reducing inflammation without the need for invasive procedures.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Proper alignment is vital for joint health. Dr. Owens uses a combination of manual spinal manipulation and specialized instruments—such as the Impulse IQ and ArthroStim—to ensure your body is balanced. By correcting misalignments in the spine, hips, and lower extremities, we can alleviate the uneven pressure that often leads to knee degradation.

Myofascial Release

For patients dealing with muscle tightness or scar tissue from old injuries, we provide myofascial release therapy. Using techniques like VibraCussor-assisted massage and manual trigger point release, Dr. Owens works to break down painful tissue and restore flexibility to the muscles surrounding the knee.

Red Light (Laser) Therapy

We offer red light and infrared laser therapy to stimulate blood flow and cell metabolism. This non-invasive treatment assists the body’s natural healing process, helping to reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery of damaged tissues.

Kinesio Taping

To support the knee during the healing process, we may apply Kinesio Tape. This helps stabilize the joint, alleviate muscle spasms, and strengthen the nerve connection between the brain and the injured area, providing support for several days at a time.

Start Your Recovery Today

At Chiropractic of Bellevue, we believe that how long you wish to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. Whether you are looking for immediate relief from an auto injury or preventative care on a monthly basis, Dr. Owens is here to help.

We offer same-day treatments for most first visits, and long-term treatment plans are never required to start care. Dr. Owens is in-network with most major insurance providers, including:

• Medicare and L
• Premera and Blue Cross
• Regence and Kaiser First Choice Options
• United Healthcare and Aetna

If you are struggling with knee pain, don't wait for the condition to worsen. Experience the thoroughness and friendly bedside manner that has made Dr. Owens a trusted provider in Bellevue for nearly three decades.

Contact Us
Chiropractic of Bellevue
365 118th Ave SE Ste 110, Bellevue, WA 98005
Call or Text: (425) 802-5432
Email: ca4owens@gmail.com

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21511-knee-pain
https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_knee-pain.asp
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/knee-pain-and-problems
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/knee-pain/7-rare-causes-of-knee-pain

How Do I Know If My Shoulder Pain Is Serious? Symptoms and Signs to Watch For

Shoulder pain is an incredibly common complaint, affecting everyone from weekend warriors to office professionals. In many cases, it is a simple muscle strain that resolves with rest. However, because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, it is also highly susceptible to serious injury and can even be a sign of underlying systemic issues.

If you are currently struggling with discomfort, you may be asking, "How do I know if my shoulder pain is serious?" Understanding the difference between a minor ache and a condition requiring professional intervention is essential for your long-term health. At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens leverages nearly 30 years of experience to help patients differentiate between transient pain and structural issues that require targeted care.

Recognizing the Emergency Red Flags

Certain types of shoulder pain are not musculoskeletal at all, but rather "referred pain" from life-threatening emergencies. You should seek immediate emergency medical attention (call 911 or visit the nearest ER) if your shoulder pain is accompanied by any of the following:

• Signs of a Heart Attack: Sudden, heavy, or squeezing pressure in the chest that radiates to the left shoulder, neck, or jaw. This type of pain often does not change when you move your arm (Harvard Health).
• Respiratory Distress: Shoulder pain that occurs alongside shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Severe Trauma: If the joint appears visibly out of place or "popped out," or if there is a visible deformity or exposed bone.
• Neurological Deficits: Sudden, profound weakness, or a complete loss of sensation extending down the arm into the hand.
• Signs of Infection: A joint that is hot to the touch, red, and severely swollen, especially if accompanied by a fever (Mayo Clinic).

Structural Injury vs. Simple Muscle Strain

For non-emergency cases, the biggest question is whether you have a simple strain or a structural failure. A minor strain typically feels like a dull ache and, while painful, still allows you to move your arm through its full range of motion.

A "serious" injury is often marked by "mechanical failure." This means you are physically unable to perform certain movements, regardless of how much you try to push through the pain.

Rotator Cuff and Labral Tears

A rotator cuff tear often manifests as profound weakness when trying to lift or rotate your arm. You might notice a "cracking" sound (crepitus) or find that the pain is severe enough to wake you up at night. A common clinical sign is the "Drop Arm Sign," where a person cannot slowly lower their arm from a raised position (NIH StatPearls).

Labral tears, specifically SLAP lesions, often feel like a deep ache accompanied by a "catching," "locking," or "popping" sensation within the joint. This can lead to a subjective feeling that the shoulder is "loose" or unstable (Cleveland Clinic).

Impingement Syndrome

If you feel a sharp, catching pain specifically when reaching overhead or behind your back (such as putting on a jacket), you may be suffering from shoulder impingement. This occurs when the tendons are squeezed or rubbed against the bone during movement (NIH StatPearls).

When Shoulder Pain is a "Red Herring"

Because of the complex nerve pathways in the body, your shoulder can hurt because of an issue elsewhere. This is known as referred pain. For example:

• Hepatobiliary Disease: Issues with the gallbladder or liver can cause pain in the right shoulder, often worsening after eating fatty foods.
• Pancoast Tumors: A rare form of lung cancer at the top of the lung can cause unrelenting shoulder pain, sometimes accompanied by a drooping eyelid (NIH PMC).

Professional Evaluation in Bellevue

According to medical literature, you should seek a professional consultation if your pain persists or worsens after two to four weeks of home care, or if you experience any loss of function (Cleveland Clinic).

At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens provides a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of your discomfort. Our clinic is conveniently located at 365 118th Ave SE Ste 110, Bellevue, WA 98005. We value a bedside manner that is friendly and experienced, aiming for quick pain relief while focusing on your long-term wellness.

How We Can Help

Dr. Owens offers a variety of non-invasive treatments to help you recover without the need for surgery or medication:

• Chiropractic Adjustments: Using manual manipulation or specialized tools like the Impulse IQ, Dr. Owens restores proper alignment and movement to the shoulder and spine.
• Myofascial Release: We use VibraCussor-assisted massage and manual trigger point therapy to break down painful scar tissue and relieve muscle tension.
• Red Light (Laser) Therapy: This advanced service uses infrared light to stimulate blood flow and cell metabolism, helping tissues heal faster and reducing inflammation.
• Kinesio Taping: For significant injuries, we utilize taping to stabilize the joint and help alleviate muscle spasms between visits.

We offer same-day treatments for most first visits, and we are in-network with many major providers, including Premera, Regence, United Healthcare, Aetna, Kaiser First Choice Options, and Medicare.

Don’t wait for a minor ache to become a chronic limitation. Whether you are dealing with a sports injury, a work-related incident, or unexplained discomfort, we are here to help. To schedule an appointment at our Bellevue clinic, you can call or text us at (425) 802-5432 or email ca4owens@gmail.com. Your journey back to a pain-free life can start today.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shoulder-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050696
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shoulder-pain-common-causes/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547664/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/ouch-shoulder-pain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10151121/