Knee Swelling Relief for Chiropractors: What the Research Really Shows
- Nicole Miller
- Oct 9
- 2 min read

A Better Way to Decrease Knee Swelling in Patients with Osteoarthritis
Knee pain is one of the most common problems chiropractors see every week.But swelling is often the silent limiter. It reduces motion, weakens muscles, and blocks real recovery.
A recent study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that reducing swelling led to measurable gains in strength, range of motion, and pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis.Read the full study here: PMC6525802.
Why This Matters for Chiropractors
Chiropractors are experts in restoring motion and function. This study supports what you already know: when swelling drops, results improve.Less joint pressure means less pain and faster mobility gains.Managing swelling also helps your adjustments hold longer and your patients stay compliant.
What the Study Found
Patients with knee osteoarthritis were treated using physical swelling-reduction techniques.Results showed:
Stronger quadriceps
Better range of motion
Lower pain intensity
Improved daily function
That’s clear evidence that physical methods for managing edema can drive real improvement — no drugs required.
How to Apply It in Your Clinic
If you treat knee OA or post-injury swelling, consider these practical steps:
Use cold compression or pneumatic compression after adjustments
Track range of motion and pain before and after sessions
Reinforce home use of swelling-control devices
Combine inflammation control with soft-tissue or mobility work
When swelling is managed, recovery is faster, care plans are shorter, and outcomes are stronger.
Why Non-Narcotic Solutions Matter
Patients want natural, safe, and effective care. They don’t want to depend on medications. Tools like cold compression and photobiomodulation therapy fit perfectly into chiropractic care. They calm inflammation, support healing, and extend your clinical results between visits.
The Takeaway
Controlling swelling isn’t optional — it’s essential. This study confirms what chiropractic already stands for: motion heals, and inflammation slows it down.
👉 Learn how to integrate cold compression and photobiomodulation therapy into your chiropractic practice Click Here to get more information




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