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Knee Pain
Treatment in Overland Park, KS · Dr. Ladd Carlston
By Dr. Ladd Carlston · Updated March 16, 2026
What it feels like
Pain going down stairs. Swelling after activity. Grinding or popping. Pain behind the kneecap. Stiffness after sitting.
What’s actually causing it
Your knee is a hinge joint caught between two rotational joints — the hip above and the ankle below. When either of those isn't working right, the knee takes the hit. I can't tell you how many patients have come to me after being told they need a knee replacement, and the actual problem is a glute that isn't stabilizing the hip or a calf that's compensating for a weak ankle stabilizer. The knee is the victim, not the cause. Muscle testing shows me exactly which muscles above and below the knee have shut down, and when we get them firing again, the knee stops hurting.
How I treat it
I test the muscles around the affected area individually, find which ones aren’t firing, and reset the connection using gentle techniques. No cracking, no popping.
How long it takes
Most patients feel a difference after one session. Chronic cases typically resolve in 4–6 sessions.
“Dr. Carlston is simply amazing, I have seen dozens of chiropractors over the years and he is by far the best!! He knew exactly what was causing my pain which helped me quickly identify what I was doing to cause it, and he relieved my pain. I would highly recommend him to anyone!!”
Elizabeth B. · Google review
Techniques I use for knee pain
The foundation of everything I doNeuromuscular Re-education
Retrains the communication between your brain, nerves, and muscles so the right muscles fire at the right time — and the overworkers can finally relaxSoft Tissue Mobilization
Hands-on work that breaks down scar tissue, releases muscle tension, and restores circulation to areas that have been locked up and compensatingMuscle Energy Technique
Uses your own gentle muscle contractions against resistance to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore the range of motion your body has lost
Common questions
Why does my knee pain keep coming back?
Because the weak muscle causing it hasn’t been found and reset. I treat the cause, not the symptom.
Will you crack my joints?
Never. My techniques are gentle, precise, and comfortable. No high-velocity adjustments.
Ready to find real relief?
Book online in 30 seconds. No referral needed.