Knee-on-Trac: Definition and Clinical Context

What Is the Knee-on-Trac?

The Knee-on-Trac is a specialized non-surgical knee decompression device designed to apply precise, gentle traction to the knee joint — creating a negative pressure environment within the joint space that reduces mechanical loading on damaged cartilage, meniscal tissue, and joint surfaces.

Think of it as the knee equivalent of spinal decompression. Just as the Antalgic-Trac creates intradiscal negative pressure to promote disc healing, the Knee-on-Trac reduces intra-articular pressure to promote joint recovery and pain relief.

How the Knee-on-Trac Works

The patient's leg is positioned and secured in the Knee-on-Trac device. Controlled, computer-managed traction is then applied to the knee joint through a calibrated distraction mechanism:

Joint space opening: The distraction force gently separates the femoral and tibial surfaces of the knee joint, creating space in the joint capsule. This reduces the mechanical compression that causes pain in arthritic or damaged knees.

Synovial fluid circulation: The cyclic distraction and release promotes movement of synovial fluid — the joint's natural lubricant and nutrient source — throughout the joint space. Cartilage, which has no direct blood supply, depends on synovial fluid for nutrition. Improved circulation supports cartilage maintenance and can slow degeneration.

Nerve decompression: Compressed joint structures can irritate local nerve endings, contributing to chronic knee pain. Decompression reduces this mechanical nerve irritation.

Reduced inflammation: Decreasing intra-articular pressure and improving fluid dynamics reduces the mechanical drivers of joint inflammation.

Ideal Candidates for Knee-on-Trac

Knee-on-Trac is most appropriate for:

• Knee osteoarthritis (mild to moderate)
• Meniscal degeneration
• Chronic knee pain resistant to other conservative treatment
• Patients seeking to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
• Post-inflammatory knee pain with joint space narrowing

Knee-on-Trac is not a substitute for surgery in all cases. Dr. McNamara reviews imaging and performs a full evaluation to determine whether the device is appropriate for each individual patient.

Knee-on-Trac at McNamara Chiropractic Center

The Knee-on-Trac is the centerpiece of our Knee Restoration Program — a comprehensive non-surgical protocol that combines Knee-on-Trac decompression with Class IV Laser Therapy and Shockwave Therapy. The combination approach delivers synergistic results: decompression reduces pressure and improves fluid dynamics, laser accelerates cellular repair, and shockwave stimulates regenerative healing in surrounding soft tissue.

Learn more about our Knee Restoration Program or call (954) 943-1100 to find out if you are a candidate.

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McNamara Chiropractic Center | 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 | (954) 943-1100