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Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment in St. Louis
West End Chiropractic & Rehab Center treats knee pain without surgery or medication. Dr. Michael Gerdine, DC, combines non-invasive knee decompression, D.A.R.T. shockwave therapy and sports rehabilitation for arthritis, meniscus tears, tendinitis, bursitis and sports injuries. The office is at 4255 Laclede Avenue in the Central West End, and no referral is needed.
Knee pain changes everything: the stairs, the walk through Forest Park, getting down on the floor with your kids or grandkids, the game you used to play. If you've been told to "just live with it" or that surgery is the only answer, it may be worth exploring conservative options first. Dr. Gerdine, a former athlete himself, has spent 26+ years helping St. Louis patients get moving again.
Signs You Should Get Your Knee Checked
- Pain going up or down stairs, or getting up from a chair
- Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling, warmth or a feeling of fullness in the knee
- Clicking, catching or locking
- The knee feels unstable or "gives out"
- Pain below the kneecap when running, jumping or squatting
- Knee pain that started after a fall, sports injury or car accident
Severe swelling, an inability to bear weight or a visibly deformed knee after an injury needs prompt evaluation, which may include imaging.
Knee Conditions We Treat
- Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis of the knee)
- Meniscus tears
- ACL injuries
- Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee)
- Knee bursitis
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Rehabilitation following knee fractures
How We Treat Knee Pain
Knee Decompression
A non-invasive therapy designed to gently reduce pressure inside the knee joint. No injections, no incisions, no medication.
Shockwave Therapy
D.A.R.T. acoustic-wave therapy for stubborn tendon pain around the knee, such as patellar tendinitis.
Sports Rehabilitation
Targeted strengthening, mobility and return-to-sport work in our on-site rehab center.
Chiropractic Care
Hips, feet and the lower back all affect how the knee is loaded. Adjustments help the whole chain move well. See back pain care.
Acupuncture
Dr. Gerdine is certified in acupuncture, which may help ease pain and muscle tension around the knee.
Weight & Fitness Guidance
Customized fitness and nutrition guidance can help reduce the everyday load on painful knees.
What to Expect at Your First Knee Visit
- Listen first. Dr. Gerdine asks how the pain started, what makes it worse and what you want to get back to doing.
- Examine. A hands-on assessment of the knee plus your hips, feet and back. Imaging is ordered only when it's truly needed and is performed at a local imaging center or hospital.
- Explain. You get an honest explanation of what's likely going on, and whether conservative care makes sense.
- Plan and start. A personalized plan that may combine knee decompression, shockwave and rehab. Care often starts the same day when appropriate.
Knee Decompression vs. Injections vs. Surgery
| Knee decompression + rehab (our approach) | Non-invasive and drug-free. Aims to reduce pressure in the joint while strengthening the muscles that support it. |
|---|---|
| Injections | Medication delivered into or around the joint. Some patients prefer to limit how often they receive them. |
| Knee surgery or replacement | May be necessary for some injuries and advanced cases. Usually considered after conservative care has been tried. |
| Rest and over-the-counter pain relief | Can calm a flare-up but does not rebuild strength or address how the knee is being loaded. |
Why St. Louis Patients Choose West End Chiropractic for Knee Pain
- Licensed since 1999, with 26+ years of experience and recognition as one of St. Louis's Top Doctors
- A former athlete who understands sports injuries and active lifestyles
- Knee decompression, shockwave, rehab and spinal decompression under one roof
- On-site rehab center for strengthening and return to activity
- Near Midtown, Forest Park, University City and Clayton
- Walk-ins welcome; same-day appointments often available
Hip or back pain traveling down the leg? Read about sciatica treatment. Injured in a collision? See whiplash treatment. Browse all services or meet Dr. Gerdine.
Knee Pain FAQs
What is knee decompression therapy?
Knee decompression is a non-invasive therapy designed to gently reduce pressure inside the knee joint. It involves no injections, incisions or medication. At West End Chiropractic it is usually combined with strengthening exercises and other conservative care.
Can a chiropractor help knee pain?
Yes, many types of knee pain may respond to conservative care. Dr. Gerdine evaluates the knee along with the hips, feet and lower back, because problems up or down the chain can load the knee. Treatment may include knee decompression, shockwave therapy and rehab.
Can I avoid knee surgery?
Many patients with knee pain try non-surgical care first, and some are able to avoid or delay surgery. It depends on the specific injury and its severity. If your exam suggests you need a surgical opinion, Dr. Gerdine will tell you.
Does knee decompression hurt?
Knee decompression is designed to be gentle, and most patients find it comfortable. You can tell the doctor at any point if something does not feel right. Mild soreness after early sessions is possible as the knee adjusts.
How many sessions does knee pain treatment take?
It depends on the condition, how long you have had it and your goals. Knee care is usually a series of visits that combine treatment with strengthening. You will get a realistic timeline after your first exam.
How much does knee pain treatment cost in St. Louis?
Pricing varies with your condition and the treatments in your plan. Call (314) 361-4650 for current pricing. The office is primarily cash-based and can explain your options before you start.
Is knee pain treatment covered by insurance?
West End Chiropractic is primarily a cash-based practice. The office also accepts personal injury and auto accident cases, including knee injuries from a car crash. Call (314) 361-4650 to ask how your care would be handled.
Is knee decompression better than knee injections?
They are different approaches. Injections deliver medication into or around the joint, while knee decompression is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy that is paired with strengthening. Many patients choose to try conservative care like decompression before injections or surgery.
Hear From Our Patients
Ready to Move Without Knee Pain?
Find out what's behind your knee pain and whether non-surgical care is the right next step.