Is Knee on Trac the Same as Surgery?

Quick Answer: No — Knee on Trac is completely non-surgical and non-invasive. It uses gentle mechanical distraction to decompress the knee joint, reduce pain, and support cartilage healing. It's designed as an alternative to surgery for patients with osteoarthritis, meniscus problems, and chronic knee pain who want to avoid an operation or are not good surgical candidates.

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The Full Answer

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people consider surgery — but surgery for knee conditions carries real risks, significant recovery time, and doesn't always produce the outcomes patients hope for. Knee on Trac is a fundamentally different approach: it works with the body's natural healing mechanisms rather than cutting into the joint.

What Is Knee on Trac?

Knee on Trac is a mechanical knee decompression system — a specialized device that gently distracts (separates) the joint surfaces of the knee using controlled, calibrated force. By creating space within the joint, it:

• Reduces compression on damaged or worn cartilage
• Draws synovial fluid into the joint for natural lubrication
• Decreases pressure on the meniscus
• Reduces nerve irritation and associated pain
• Creates an environment for cartilage tissue to recover

The treatment is applied while the patient is seated or partially reclined, with the device secured around the knee. The session is painless and typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes.

How Is It Different from Surgery?

The contrast could not be more stark:

Feature	Knee on Trac	Knee Surgery (e.g., Arthroscopy / TKR)
Invasiveness	Non-invasive (no incisions)	Invasive (requires anesthesia and cuts)
Recovery time	None — resume normal activity same day	Weeks to months
Risk	Minimal	Infection, blood clots, nerve damage, implant failure
Cost	Affordable	Tens of thousands of dollars
Reversibility	Fully reversible / no permanent changes	Permanent structural changes
Anesthesia	Not required	General or regional anesthesia

Surgery removes, replaces, or repairs tissue. Knee on Trac doesn't change your anatomy at all — it creates conditions for your body to heal itself.

Who Is Knee on Trac For?

Knee on Trac is a strong option for patients who:

• Have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (mild, moderate, or severe)
• Are dealing with meniscus degeneration or tears that are not acute/traumatic
• Have chronic knee pain that hasn't responded to medication, injections, or physical therapy
• Are told they need a knee replacement but want to explore conservative options first
• Are post-surgical and experiencing lingering pain after a prior procedure
• Are not good surgical candidates due to age, comorbidities, or preference
• Want to delay surgery and maintain function in the interim

What the Research Says

Knee joint decompression has been studied as a treatment for osteoarthritis and shows promising results for pain reduction and functional improvement. The mechanism parallels what has been established for spinal decompression therapy — reducing compressive load on damaged tissue allows healing to occur.

Many of our patients at McNamara Chiropractic Center report significant reductions in knee pain after completing a course of Knee on Trac therapy, and some who were previously scheduled for surgery have been able to cancel or postpone the procedure.

How Many Sessions Are Typically Needed?

Most Knee on Trac programs run 10 to 20 sessions over 4 to 6 weeks. Patients often notice improvement within the first several sessions. The treatment is frequently combined with Class IV laser therapy over the knee and chiropractic care to address any contributing factors in the hip, pelvis, or lumbar spine.

Is It Safe?

Yes. Knee on Trac is a low-risk, non-invasive treatment. There are no incisions, no implants, and no anesthesia. Contraindications include acute ligament tears, active joint infections, certain vascular conditions, and recent joint replacements. Dr. McNamara evaluates every patient before beginning treatment to confirm it is safe and appropriate.

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Suffering from chronic knee pain? Don't assume surgery is your only option. Call McNamara Chiropractic Center at (954) 943-1100 to schedule a knee evaluation. We're at 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064.

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