Knee Pain Chiropractor Kings Park | Kings Park Chiropractic

Understanding Your Pain

What Is Knee Pain?

This page is for you if you live in Kings Park, Blacktown, or the surrounding suburbs and are dealing with knee aching, stiffness that worsens after sitting or climbing stairs, or pain that makes exercise and daily activity harder than it should be — and you want to understand what’s causing it before deciding on treatment.

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in Australia. The knee is the largest and most load-bearing joint in the body, supporting between three and five times your body weight with every step. That mechanical load — combined with sport, sedentary work, old injuries, and age-related changes — makes the knee particularly vulnerable to both acute injury and chronic degeneration.

Knee pain can arise from the joint itself, from the surrounding muscles and tendons, from the lower back referring pain into the leg, or from a combination of these. Correctly identifying the source is essential — a meniscal problem, disc-related referred pain, and early osteoarthritis all feel different and require different management approaches.

At Kings Park Chiropractic, Dr. Brian Sin (M.Chiro, Grad Dip Chiro, DACCP) conducts a thorough orthopaedic and neurological assessment before any treatment begins — so you know exactly what’s going on and what to expect from care.

Last reviewed by Dr. Brian Sin (M.Chiro, Grad Dip Chiro, DACCP) — June 2026.

2.1M Australians estimated to be living with osteoarthritis — the knee being the most commonly affected joint (AIHW, 2022)

$4.3B spent annually on osteoarthritis treatment and management in the Australian health system (AIHW, 2020–21)

3–5× body weight transmitted through the knee joint with each step — rising to 8× when running or jumping

83% of the total osteoarthritis burden is accounted for by knee OA — the most disabling joint affected

Person holding knee in pain seeking chiropractic assessment in Blacktown

Symptoms

Do You Recognise These Signs?

Knee pain presents differently depending on the underlying structure involved. Here are the most common presentations we see at Kings Park Chiropractic.

Morning stiffness Knee feels stiff and aching on waking or after prolonged sitting, easing once you get moving

Stairs & slopes Pain when going up or down stairs, hills, or rising from a low chair

Clicking or grinding Crepitus — a grating, clicking, or creaking sensation felt or heard with knee movement

Swelling around the joint Visible or palpable fluid build-up around the kneecap or joint line after activity

Giving way or buckling The knee suddenly feels unstable or gives way under load — common with ligament weakness or patella tracking issues

Inner or outer knee ache Pain localised to the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) joint line — often a sign of meniscus or ligament involvement

⚠️ Seek urgent care if knee pain follows significant trauma, the joint is severely swollen and hot, you are unable to bear weight, or you have signs of vascular compromise (numbness, pallor, or pulselessness below the knee).

Causes

What’s Causing Your Knee Pain?

Knee pain has many possible sources — and the right treatment depends on identifying the correct structure. Here are the most common causes we assess and treat at Kings Park Chiropractic.

Chiropractor Dr Brian Sin performing knee assessment at Kings Park Chiropractic clinic near Blacktown

1

Knee Osteoarthritis Age-related breakdown of cartilage in the joint causing pain, stiffness, and grinding. The most common cause of chronic knee pain in adults over 45.

2

Meniscus Tear The meniscus is a C-shaped shock absorber between the thigh and shin bones. Tears cause localised joint line pain, swelling, and clicking — especially during twisting movements.

3

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Pain behind or around the kneecap from poor patella tracking. Common in runners, desk workers, and those who sit for long periods — often called “runner’s knee.”

4

IT Band Syndrome Tightness of the iliotibial band causing lateral knee pain, especially during running. Hip weakness and gluteal tightness are common contributing factors.

5

Referred Pain from the Lower Back Nerve root irritation at the lumbar spine can refer aching, burning, or tingling into the knee and lower leg — a cause that’s often missed when the back itself is pain-free. See our sciatica page for more.

6

Patellar Tendinopathy Overuse and load-related degeneration of the patellar tendon causing pain at the front of the knee below the kneecap — common in active people and weekend warriors.

7

Hip & Pelvis Dysfunction Weakness in the hip abductors and external rotators alters the way load travels through the knee, contributing to chronic knee pain even when the knee itself looks structurally normal. See our hip pain page.

8

Bursitis Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) around the knee causing localised tenderness and swelling. Common in people who kneel frequently or after direct trauma.

Our Approach

How Chiropractic Helps Knee Pain

Chiropractic care for knee pain looks beyond the joint itself. The knee is directly influenced by alignment and mechanics at the foot, hip, pelvis, and lumbar spine — so effective treatment addresses the whole kinetic chain, not just where it hurts.

1

Knee & Extremity Joint Mobilisation Gentle, controlled mobilisation of the knee joint restores normal movement, reduces pain signals, and improves function — particularly effective for osteoarthritis and post-injury stiffness.

2

Lumbar & Pelvic Spinal Adjustment Where lower back or hip dysfunction is contributing to knee pain, spinal adjustment reduces nerve irritation and corrects the biomechanical chain driving the problem.

3

Dry Needling Targets trigger points in the quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band, and glutes that contribute to chronic knee loading patterns and pain — often producing rapid relief of muscle tension.

4

Rehabilitation & Load Management Targeted exercises to strengthen the quadriceps, glutes, and hip stabilisers — with activity and load guidance to keep you moving safely while the knee heals.

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis (Zhu et al., Systematic Reviews) found that manual therapy produced clinically significant reductions in pain and improvements in function for patients with knee osteoarthritis, with a favourable safety profile. A separate 2024 meta-analysis (Applied Sciences) found manual therapy provided superior short-term pain outcomes compared to exercise therapy alone for knee OA, while combined manual therapy plus exercise produced the greatest overall benefit. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare identifies knee osteoarthritis as a leading cause of disability and health system expenditure in Australia, with conservative management recommended as first-line treatment.

Chiropractor performing hands-on knee assessment and mobilisation treatment at Kings Park Chiropractic

Safety & Evidence

Is Chiropractic Safe for Knee Pain?

Chiropractic care for the knee is conservative, non-invasive, and well-supported by the evidence as a first-line approach for knee osteoarthritis, soft tissue conditions, and biomechanical contributors to knee pain. No injections, no surgery, no medication side effects.

At Kings Park Chiropractic, Dr. Brian Sin (M.Chiro, Grad Dip Chiro, DACCP) completes a full orthopaedic and neurological assessment before treating the knee. This includes screening for conditions that require imaging or specialist referral — including ligament rupture, significant meniscal tear, and vascular pathology. Where chiropractic care is not the appropriate pathway, Dr. Brian will tell you directly and refer you on.

Dr. Brian holds a Master of Chiropractic from Macquarie University and a postgraduate Diplomate in Chiropractic Paediatrics, and is registered with AHPRA.

Can a chiropractor treat the knee joint directly? Yes. Chiropractors are trained in extremity joint assessment and mobilisation — including the knee, hip, ankle, and shoulder. Knee mobilisation and soft tissue therapy can be applied directly to the joint, alongside treatment of contributing spinal or hip dysfunction.

Do I need imaging before seeing a chiropractor for knee pain? Not necessarily. Many knee conditions can be diagnosed through clinical examination alone. If you have existing X-rays or MRI scans, bring them — they’re helpful. If imaging is needed to guide your care, Dr. Brian will request it. You will not be turned away for not having scans.

Who is chiropractic knee care not suitable for? Acute ligament rupture (e.g. complete ACL tear), acute fracture, deep vein thrombosis, and active inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, gout flare) all require a different management pathway. If your presentation suggests any of these, Dr. Brian will refer you to the appropriate provider — your safety comes first.

New Patients

What to Expect at Your First Visit

1

Health History Your symptoms, how they started, previous knee injuries, and any relevant health history including medications and imaging.

2

Knee & Movement Assessment Orthopaedic testing of the knee, hip, and lower back — including range of motion, joint line palpation, and neurological checks where indicated.

3

Diagnosis & Plan Dr. Brian explains his findings in plain language and outlines a realistic care plan — no jargon, no open-ended commitments.

4

First Treatment In most cases hands-on treatment begins in the first session, subject to assessment findings.

✅ Your first appointment runs approximately 30 minutes. No GP referral needed. If you have recent X-rays or MRI scans of the knee or lumbar spine — bring them along. Helpful but not essential.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor help with knee osteoarthritis?+

Yes. Multiple systematic reviews support manual therapy as an effective conservative treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Chiropractic care can reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and reduce reliance on pain medication — without surgery or side effects. It works best as part of a broader plan that includes targeted exercise to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee.

How many sessions will I need for knee pain?+

This depends heavily on the cause and how long the pain has been present. Acute soft tissue injuries often respond within 4–6 visits. Chronic knee osteoarthritis may require an ongoing maintenance plan alongside home exercise. Dr. Brian will give you a realistic timeframe after your first assessment — not an open-ended commitment.

Can back problems cause knee pain?+

Yes — and this is more common than most people expect. Nerve roots at L3 and L4 in the lumbar spine refer into the front and inner knee. If your knee pain is not responding to local treatment, or if you have no clear structural finding in the knee on imaging, it’s worth assessing the lower back as a contributing source.

Is a cortisone injection better than chiropractic for knee pain?+

Cortisone injections provide faster short-term pain relief but do not address the underlying mechanical cause, and repeated injections can accelerate cartilage breakdown. Chiropractic care works more gradually but addresses the mechanical drivers of pain and supports longer-term function. Many patients benefit from both approaches at different stages — your GP and chiropractor can coordinate.

Can I see a chiropractor while waiting for knee surgery?+

In many cases, yes. Conservative care while on a surgical waitlist can reduce pain, maintain strength and mobility, and sometimes reduce the urgency of surgery altogether. Dr. Brian will liaise with your treating team if needed and ensure treatment is appropriate given your surgical plan.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor for knee pain?+

No referral is needed to book directly. If you are attending under a Medicare EPC plan, Workers’ Compensation (SIRA), CTP, or DVA, a referral will be required — call us and we can guide you through the process.

Still have questions?

We’re happy to answer anything before you book. Call us or book online — same-day appointments are often available.

(02) 9837 5161

Mon–Fri 8am–7pm · Sat 8am–3pm · Sun 8am–1pm

36 Donohue Street, Kings Park NSW 2148

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Why Choose Us

Why Kings Park Chiropractic?

Postgraduate Qualified Dr. Brian holds a Diplomate of the Australian College of Chiropractic Paediatrics (DACCP) — a postgraduate qualification in chiropractic care for infants, children and adolescents.

Open 7 Days Including Sunday Mon–Fri 8am–7pm · Sat 8am–3pm · Sun 8am–1pm. Open 7 days so you can book around work, school and weekends.

All Health Funds HICAPS on-site for instant rebates. We accept all private health funds, plus Medicare EPC, Workers’ Compensation (SIRA), CTP and DVA.

Paediatric & Family Care Qualified to treat patients from newborns to seniors — one clinic for the whole family in Kings Park.

Same-Day Appointments In pain now? Same-day appointments are often available. Book online or call us directly.

No Referral Needed Book directly without a GP referral. We see you when you need it — call us or book online anytime.

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