What Is Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s knee is one of the most common causes of knee pain when running. Clinically known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, runner’s knee refers to pain around or behind the kneecap that worsens with activity. It does not just affect runners. Cyclists, hikers, and active individuals can develop runner’s knee as well.
If you have noticed knee pain after running, discomfort when walking downstairs, or aching after sitting for long periods, you may be dealing with runner’s knee. This condition often develops from repetitive stress, muscle imbalance, or improper tracking of the kneecap.
Many patients ask the same question. Can a chiropractor treat runner’s knee effectively?
The answer is yes. Here is how.
What Causes Runner’s Knee?
To understand how chiropractic care helps runner’s knee, it is important to understand why it develops.
Common causes of runner’s knee include:
- Muscle imbalances in the hips and thighs
- Weak glute muscles
- Tight IT bands
- Poor biomechanics
- Improper foot mechanics
- Overtraining or sudden mileage increases
In many cases, runner’s knee is not just a knee problem. It is a movement problem.
If the hips are unstable, the pelvis is misaligned, or the ankles are not functioning properly, the kneecap can track incorrectly. Over time, this leads to inflammation and ongoing knee discomfort.
This is where chiropractic care can play a major role in runner’s knee recovery.
Can a Chiropractor Treat Runner’s Knee?
Yes, a chiropractor can treat runner’s knee by addressing the underlying mechanical causes rather than only reducing symptoms.
At Functional Chiropractic and Massage Therapy in Richmond and Coquitlam, treatment for runner’s knee focuses on restoring proper movement patterns throughout the lower body.
Chiropractic care for runner’s knee may include:
1) Joint Adjustments
Misalignments in the pelvis, hips, knees, or ankles can contribute to abnormal kneecap tracking. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore joint mobility and reduce stress placed on the knee.
When joint function improves, pressure on the kneecap decreases, helping relieve runner’s knee pain.
2) Soft Tissue Therapy
Tight quadriceps, hamstrings, or IT bands commonly contribute to runner’s knee. Targeted soft tissue therapy helps reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility.
Massage therapy combined with chiropractic treatment can be especially helpful for knee pain from running.
3)Therapeutic Modalities
Modalities such as ultrasound, interfernetial currents, cupping and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) can help decrease inflammation, remove adhesions, muscle tightness and stiffness.
4)Corrective Exercises
Strengthening weak glutes and stabilizing hip muscles is essential for runner’s knee recovery. A chiropractor will often prescribe specific exercises to improve biomechanics and prevent the condition from returning.
Without strengthening the right muscles, runner’s knee often comes back.
5) Gait and Movement Assessment
Many cases of runner’s knee stem from subtle movement dysfunction. Assessing how you run, squat, or walk helps identify faulty mechanics contributing to knee pain after running.
Correcting these patterns reduces long term stress on the knee joint.
Will My Runner’s Knee Ever Go Away?
Yes, runner’s knee can improve with the right treatment plan.
Mild cases of runner’s knee may improve with rest, but ignoring symptoms often leads to chronic knee pain. If you continue running through discomfort without correcting the underlying cause, inflammation can worsen.
Long term runner’s knee recovery requires addressing both pain and biomechanical dysfunction.
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper joint alignment and muscle balance so the knee can heal more effectively.
What Happens If You Ignore Runner’s Knee?
Ignoring runner’s knee can lead to chronic knee pain and reduced performance. You may also begin to compensate with other joints, which can result in hip, ankle, or low back pain.
Because runner’s knee affects how the kneecap tracks, untreated dysfunction may increase stress on surrounding tissues over time.
If you are experiencing persistent knee discomfort, early intervention is important.
Why See a Chiropractor for Runner’s Knee Instead of Just Resting?
Rest alone does not correct faulty movement patterns.
Many people try icing, bracing, or temporarily reducing mileage. While these strategies may decrease pain short term, they do not address the mechanical cause of runner’s knee.
A chiropractor evaluates the entire kinetic chain from the lower back and pelvis down to the feet.
At Functional Chiropractic and Massage Therapy, the goal is not just symptom relief. The focus is restoring optimal movement so you can return to running safely, improve performance, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
For runners in Richmond and Coquitlam, this comprehensive approach can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
How Long Does Runner’s Knee Recovery Take?
Runner’s knee recovery depends on the severity of inflammation, how long symptoms have been present, and the strength and mobility deficits involved.
Many patients begin noticing improvement within a few weeks of consistent chiropractic treatment combined with corrective exercise. More chronic cases may take longer but respond well when underlying dysfunction is corrected.
The sooner runner’s knee is addressed, the faster recovery typically occurs.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Runner’s Knee?
You should consider booking an assessment if knee pain after running lasts more than a week, pain worsens when going downstairs, or rest has not resolved the issue.
Early evaluation can prevent minor irritation from progressing into chronic runner’s knee.
Runner’s Knee Treatment in Richmond and Coquitlam
If runner’s knee is limiting your training or daily activities, chiropractic care may be an effective solution.
At Functional Chiropractic and Massage Therapy, patients in Richmond and Coquitlam receive personalized care plans designed to reduce knee pain, restore joint mobility, improve muscle balance, correct movement dysfunction, and prevent recurrence.
Whether you are a competitive runner or simply enjoy staying active, addressing runner’s knee properly can help you move confidently again.
Book an Assessment for Runner’s Knee
You do not have to live with ongoing knee discomfort.
If you are asking, can a chiropractor treat runner’s knee, the answer is yes, especially when care focuses on the root cause of your pain.
Schedule an appointment at Functional Chiropractic and Massage Therapy in Richmond or Coquitlam to begin your runner’s knee recovery today.
Your knees and your future runs will thank you.
