Knee Decompression
in San Diego
Knee decompression is a non-surgical treatment for chronic knee pain, using the Accu-Knee system to relieve pressure on the joint without surgery or injections.
What is knee decompression?
Knee decompression uses Accu-Knee, a computerized machine that gently and rhythmically pulls the tibia and femur apart, in weighted intervals, over the course of a session lasting approximately 20 minutes. This creates space in the joint, allowing fluid to move in and support the body's natural healing process. Jeffers Chiropractic is the only practice in California offering Accu-Knee, confirmed directly with the manufacturer. If needed, both knees can be treated at the same time. As with every treatment offered here, it is not appropriate for every patient. Every plan begins with a doctor's exam before treatment is recommended.
Who is a candidate?
You may be a candidate if you have:
Chronic knee pain that has not responded to other therapies
Osteoarthritis and degeneration of the knee
A knee joint space narrowing or cartilage wear
Common symptoms include dull, aching pain that worsens throughout the day, pain when climbing stairs or standing for long periods, swelling or tenderness, stiffness after waking up, a popping sound, or a knee that locks up or gives out, often following a prior injury.
WHAT to expect
Currently, knee decompression is not covered by insurance. We offer time-of-service billing, as well as a discounted package rate when your treatment protocol calls for multiple sessions. The full treatment plan and total cost are communicated clearly after your exam, before any commitment is made.
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The doctor evaluates your specific knee condition and history, and reviews imaging or prior reports if you have them, this helps confirm whether AccuKnee is appropriate and guide how treatment is calibrated for your knee.
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Multiple treatments, over a specific timeframe, are typically recommended for the best results. The exact number of visits and treatment frequency will be discussed with you directly and tailored to your specific condition.
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AccuKnee sessions take place in a decompression chair, where you sit comfortably throughout treatment. The experience is pain-free and relaxing. Depending on your specific condition, the doctor may recommend combining AccuKnee with Class IV laser therapy or OmniWave acoustic therapy for the best results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this the same as a knee replacement alternative?
Accu-Knee is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment with low risk, making it a safe option worth exploring, whether you're hoping to avoid knee replacement or simply want to understand every option before deciding on one. The doctor can help determine whether it's the right fit for your specific condition.
Why a course of treatment, Not a single visit?
Like spinal decompression, knee decompression works through a series of sessions, not one visit. A treatment plan is never recommended before an exam confirms it is appropriate for your specific knee condition.
Is knee decompression covered by insurance?
No. Insurance generally doesn't cover this type of treatment, regardless of provider. The full cost is communicated clearly before you commit to treatment.
Committed to Advanced Technology
Jeffers Chiropractic is the first practice in California to offer Accu-Knee, and is a member of Knee Centers of America, a national network focused on non-surgical knee care.
Backed by Independent Research
Accu-Knee is a newer treatment option, so there isn't yet published research on the specific device. What is well established is the broader category it belongs to, mechanical knee traction and joint distraction, which has real, independent, peer-reviewed research behind it:
A 2024 randomized controlled trial published in the Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal followed 40 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients who received mechanical knee traction combined with therapeutic exercise showed significantly greater improvement in pain, function, muscle strength, and walking ability than those who did exercise alone.
A 2019 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Korean Physical Therapy followed 30 patients with degenerative knee arthritis. Those who received knee traction therapy showed significantly greater improvement in pain, physical function, and mood than those who received general physical therapy alone.
A 2022 randomized controlled trial published in Clinical Rehabilitation followed 120 patients with knee osteoarthritis, comparing traction from different knee angles. Traction applied at 90 and 20 degrees of knee flexion produced significantly better pain and function outcomes than traction with the knee fully extended, supporting the idea that the specific angle of treatment matters.