KNEE ON TRAC

What is Knee-On-Trac?

Knee-On-Trac is a non-surgical knee treatment machine designed to relieve pain and improve mobility by gently separating the knee joint, creating space and reducing pressure. It works by applying mechanical traction to the knee, which helps to reduce inflammation, rehydrate the joint, and increase range of motion. When the knee joint is open, increased blood flow and nutrients are able to enter the joint. This helps relieve pain and pressure out of the joint. Knee-On-Trac allows the practitioner to determine how many pounds of pressure they want to apply to the joint for controlled physical therapy.

Knee-On-Trac Physical Therapy Machine for Degenerative Knees

What conditions benefit from knees on trac?

Using a traction device (or “knee on tract”) for degenerative knees — particularly in cases of knee osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease — can offer symptomatic relief for some patients, Here’s how it may help:

Benefits of Knee Traction for Degenerative Knees

Joint Decompression:

Reduces pressure between the femur and tibia. May relieve pain from joint space narrowing or meniscus wear.

Improved Synovial Fluid Circulation:

Encourages lubrication of the joint, potentially reducing stiffness and improving mobility.

Reduction in Nerve Compression:

Help relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves if there’s associated inflammation or soft tissue compression.

Temporary Relief from Pain and Swelling:

Patients often report feeling “looser” or “more mobile” after sessions.

Delay the Need for More Invasive Treatment:

In mild to moderate OA, regular decompression sessions might delay the need for injections or surgery.

As any therapy there are limitations to the benefits if done alone At Spring Physical Therapy, we combine modalities like cold laser therapy, red light therapy, dry needling and H-wave to address the surrounding joint effusion and swelling.

It’s also vital to combine those with strengthening, mobility exercises, weight management, and manual therapy. We also at times collaborate with our medical provider to use regenerative medicine, PRP and gels as well. Every patient’s condition is different and requires detailed examination to determine which plan works best for the patient.

Note: If the degeneration is severe and bone on bone, then our results are limited. In that case we help control the pain and inflammation and move forward with what we call “prehab” which is when we focus on strengthening the muscle in the leg to prepare the patient for potential surgery. When prehab is completed prior to surgery, the patient’s success rate outcomes improve greatly.

Best Candidates for Knee Traction

Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
Joint stiffness without complete cartilage loss
Post-acute phase of injury were decompression aids recovery

Clinical Insight

Spring Physical Therapy is a integrative PT center, we use knee traction as part of a larger protocol involving:

Red light therapy (to reduce inflammation)
Strengthening (quads, hamstrings)
Manual therapy and mobilization
Cryotherapy or compression therapy
And more