7 Things You Should Know About Knee on Trac Knee Decompression Therapy

**By Dr. Scott Stiffey | Pro Active Chiropractic Center | Palmyra, Missouri**

Knee discomfort can affect nearly every part of everyday life.

Walking through a grocery store, getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, exercising, or playing golf can become difficult when your knee isn't moving or functioning the way it should.

For many people, the frustration isn't just about the discomfort. It's about losing the freedom to do the activities they enjoy.

Fortunately, there are conservative treatment options worth exploring.

One option is a technology called **Knee on Trac**, developed by Ergo-Flex Technologies.

At Pro Active Chiropractic Center in Palmyra, Missouri, we use this equipment as part of our approach to selected knee problems.

Here are seven important things to understand about knee traction therapy.

## 1. Knee Pain Can Have Several Different Causes

Not every knee problem is the same.

Knee discomfort may be associated with:

- Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint changes

- Previous knee injuries

- Meniscus problems

- Muscular weakness or imbalances

- Reduced flexibility and joint mobility

- Patellofemoral problems

- Changes in walking mechanics

- Irritation involving surrounding soft tissues

Two people may have similar symptoms but entirely different underlying problems.

That's why an appropriate knee examination is important before beginning treatment.

Our goal is to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms rather than simply applying the same treatment to everyone.

## 2. What Is Knee on Trac?

Knee on Trac is a mechanical knee traction system manufactured by Ergo-Flex Technologies.

It is designed to apply a controlled distraction force across the knee joint.

During treatment, the patient is seated while the leg is positioned and secured using padded supports.

The equipment then applies mechanical traction according to the treatment settings selected for the patient.

The purpose is to provide a carefully controlled traction stimulus to the knee.

Unlike surgery or an injection, mechanical knee traction is noninvasive.

A typical Knee on Trac session lasts approximately 5–10 minutes.

## 3. How Does Knee Decompression Work?

Your knee is a complex joint involving bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and other surrounding tissues.

During normal daily activities, your knees experience repeated loading and unloading.

Knee traction introduces a different mechanical force by gently pulling the joint surfaces apart.

This controlled distraction may temporarily change the mechanical loading experienced by the joint and surrounding structures.

Researchers have investigated whether knee traction can improve symptoms and physical function in people with osteoarthritis.

Some studies have reported improvements in discomfort and function.

However, knee traction has not been proven to rebuild lost cartilage, reverse arthritis, or permanently restore joint spacing.

It is best understood as a potentially useful conservative treatment option for selected patients.

## 4. What Does a Knee on Trac Treatment Feel Like?

Many patients are interested in knee traction but aren't sure what to expect.

During a typical session, you remain seated while your leg is positioned in the equipment.

Padded supports help maintain proper positioning.

The device gradually applies the prescribed traction force.

You may experience a pulling or stretching sensation around the knee.

Treatment should be adjusted to your comfort and clinical needs. Sharp pain, increasing discomfort, or new neurological symptoms should be reported immediately.

The session itself is usually relatively short.

There are no incisions and no injections involved in the traction procedure.

## 5. Who Might Benefit From Knee Traction?

Knee on Trac may be considered for selected patients experiencing:

- Chronic knee stiffness

- Knee discomfort associated with osteoarthritis

- Reduced mobility

- Difficulty with certain weight-bearing activities

- Persistent movement limitations that warrant conservative evaluation

Importantly, not everyone with knee discomfort is an appropriate candidate.

People with recent significant injuries, suspected fractures, joint instability, recent surgery, or other medical concerns may require additional assessment or a different treatment approach.

A proper evaluation helps determine whether knee traction is reasonable and safe.

## 6. Why We Look Beyond the Knee Machine

One of the biggest mistakes in treating recurring musculoskeletal problems is focusing entirely on where symptoms are felt.

Your knee is influenced by the way your entire lower extremity moves.

Hip strength, ankle mobility, muscle function, activity levels, and walking mechanics can all affect the forces placed on the knee.

That's why our Knee Restoration Program focuses on more than one piece of equipment.

Depending on the examination findings, we may recommend a combination of conservative approaches, such as:

- Knee on Trac mechanical traction

- Appropriate chiropractic or joint treatment

- Therapeutic exercises and strengthening

- Mobility and movement recommendations

- Selected complementary therapies when clinically indicated

- Changes in activities that aggravate the knee

The right combination depends on the individual. Not every patient needs every treatment.

The purpose is to support better function and help patients remain active.

## 7. The Real Goal Is Getting Back to Life

Most people aren't particularly interested in the name of a machine or the technical details of a treatment.

They want to know whether they'll be able to do the things they enjoy.

Maybe that's walking through the park.

Maybe it's playing 18 holes of golf.

Maybe it's spending time in the garden, working around the house, or enjoying a trip without constantly thinking about the knee.

That's what matters most.

At Pro Active Chiropractic Center, our goal is to help people understand what's happening with their knees and explore conservative ways to improve comfort, movement, and everyday function.

**If your knees have been limiting your activities, a thorough evaluation can help you understand your options.**

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## Frequently Asked Questions About Knee on Trac

### Does Knee on Trac help knee arthritis?

Some published studies of knee joint traction have found improvements in pain and physical function among people with knee osteoarthritis. The evidence is still limited, and these studies do not prove that every patient or every traction device will produce the same results. Knee traction is not a cure for arthritis.

### Is knee decompression painful?

Traction generally produces a pulling or stretching sensation. Treatment should be comfortable and appropriately adjusted. New or increasing pain should be reported immediately.

### How long does a Knee on Trac treatment take?

The mechanical traction portion commonly takes approximately 5–10 minutes. Your overall appointment may be longer depending on your treatment plan.

### Can knee traction help me avoid knee replacement?

Conservative care may help some people manage symptoms and maintain function, but Knee on Trac has not been proven to prevent or eliminate the need for knee replacement. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on the patient's condition, symptoms, preferences, and medical evaluation.

### Does Knee on Trac rebuild knee cartilage?

There is not sufficient clinical evidence to establish that Knee on Trac regenerates damaged cartilage or reverses osteoarthritis.

### How many treatments will I need?

There is no universal number. Treatment recommendations depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, examination findings, response to care, and personal goals.

### Can Knee on Trac be combined with other treatments?

Yes, knee traction may be incorporated into a broader conservative care plan when appropriate. Exercises, strengthening, activity modification, and other treatments may be recommended based on individual findings.

### Do I need surgery if I have bone-on-bone arthritis?

Not necessarily. Decisions about surgery depend on much more than X-ray findings alone. Some individuals can manage symptoms through nonsurgical treatment, while others may benefit from orthopedic evaluation and surgery.

### Where can I learn more about Knee on Trac near Quincy or Hannibal?

Pro Active Chiropractic Center is located in Palmyra, Missouri, conveniently serving patients from Quincy, Illinois, Hannibal, Missouri, and surrounding communities.

You can contact our office to learn more about our Knee Restoration Program and schedule a consultation.

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## Schedule a Knee Restoration Consultation

If knee discomfort or stiffness is interfering with your daily activities, we would be happy to evaluate your concerns and discuss conservative treatment options.

**Pro Active Chiropractic Center**

Dr. Scott Stiffey

219 S. Main St., Palmyra, MO 63461

**Phone:** 573-769-2400

**Website:** https://www.drscottstiffey.com/

**Schedule Online:** https://www.drscottstiffey.com/schedule

*Treatment recommendations are individualized. Results vary, and knee traction is not appropriate for every condition.*