Knee decompression, for the right knee.
Some chronic knee pain, and a lot of early knee arthritis, eases up with gentle traction. Plenty of it does not. So before anything touches your knee, Dr. Banman looks at what is actually driving the pain. That evaluation happens right here in Lakewood Ranch, and it is where we decide whether decompression fits your knee at all.
Not every knee is a candidate. On the first visit we find out whether yours is, and if it is not, we will say so and point you toward what will actually help.
- Non-surgicalDrug-free, non-invasive option
- 23+ yrsClinical experience
- EN · ESBilingual care
How knee decompression care unfolds.
Scroll through the four steps each knee patient moves through, from honest evaluation to a tracked plan.
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1
Honest knee evaluation
Dr. Banman examines the knee, reviews your history and any imaging, and checks range of motion, swelling, and how the pain behaves. The goal is a straight answer on whether decompression is reasonable for your knee, or whether a different referral would serve you better.
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2
A plan you understand
If decompression is a fit, you get a written plan: how many sessions, how often, what we will track, and when we re-check progress. You leave knowing exactly what to expect, with no pressure to commit on the spot.
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3
Knee-on-Trac sessions
During each session a cuff secures the leg and the unit applies gentle, intermittent traction across the knee to reduce compression on the joint. Where it helps, we pair it with supportive therapies such as Class IV laser or muscle stimulation. Most patients find the traction comfortable.
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4
Re-check and adjust
We re-measure pain, stiffness, and how the knee handles standing and walking at set points. We compare to your starting baseline and tell you the truth, what has improved and what has not. If decompression is not helping your knee, we say so rather than keep going.
Being straight with you: knee decompression does not regrow cartilage, cure arthritis, or replace a worn-out joint. It is a conservative option that may help reduce knee pain and improve comfort for some people by taking pressure off the joint. Results vary from person to person. For advanced, bone-on-bone arthritis, a surgical consult may still be the right path, and we will tell you when that is the case.
Knees we commonly see.
Knee osteoarthritis
Early-to-moderate "wear and tear" knee arthritis with pain and stiffness.
Chronic knee pain
Aching or stiffness that has lingered without a clear recent injury.
Pain with standing and walking
Knees that flare up the longer you are on your feet.
Stiff, tight knees
Reduced range of motion and a "locked up" feeling in the joint.
Wanting to avoid surgery
People exploring conservative options before considering a knee operation.
Active adults and seniors
Patients who want to stay mobile, garden, golf, or walk without flaring the knee.
What knee decompression does.
Gentle joint separation
Controlled traction creates a small amount of space across the knee joint, easing the constant compression on the joint surfaces.
Less mechanical load
By unloading the joint during a session, the goal is to reduce the mechanical irritation that drives a lot of chronic knee pain.
Paired with supportive care
Where it helps, we combine sessions with therapies like Class IV laser or muscle stimulation to support the surrounding tissue.
Tracked, not open-ended
We measure progress at set points. If the knee is not responding, we change course rather than keep you coming in.
Knee decompression questions.
What is knee decompression?
It is a non-surgical therapy that uses a traction device, often called Knee-on-Trac, to apply gentle, controlled separation across the knee joint. The goal is to reduce mechanical load on the joint surfaces. It is drug-free and non-invasive.
Does it hurt?
Most patients describe it as a gentle, comfortable pull rather than pain. The traction is applied gradually and the settings can be adjusted. Tell us right away if anything feels sharp during a session.
Is it a substitute for knee replacement?
No. Knee decompression is a conservative option some patients try before, or instead of, considering surgery. It does not regrow cartilage or replace a joint. For advanced structural damage, a surgical consult may still be the right path, and we will tell you when that is the case.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the knee. Dr. Banman maps out a realistic plan during your evaluation and re-checks progress along the way. The right number is different for every knee.
Will insurance cover it?
Knee decompression is typically a cash-pay service and is not usually billed to insurance. HSA and FSA are often accepted, and financing may be available. Payment options →
Wondering if your knee is a candidate?
The honest answer starts with an evaluation. Call us and we will tell you whether knee decompression is worth trying for you.