Condition We Treat

ART for Knee Problems

Targeted relief from knee pain using Active Release Techniques — resolving the muscular imbalances and adhesions behind IT band syndrome, runner's knee, and patellofemoral dysfunction.

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Understanding Knee Pain

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain is rarely just a knee problem. In most cases, soft tissue dysfunction in the quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band, and hip muscles creates abnormal tracking and force patterns at the knee joint.

When adhesions develop in these muscles, they alter patellar tracking, compress nerves, and create friction at the IT band. The knee absorbs the consequences of dysfunction happening above and below it.

ART treats the entire kinetic chain — hips, thighs, and lower leg — to resolve the muscular imbalances driving your knee pain. By addressing the cause rather than the symptom, ART delivers lasting results.

Recognizing the Signs

Common Knee Pain Symptoms

Knee pain from soft tissue dysfunction follows patterns that help us target the right structures with ART.

Pain Around the Kneecap

Aching or sharp pain at the front of the knee, especially going up or down stairs.

Outer Knee Pain

Pain along the outside of the knee, often indicating IT band syndrome — common in runners.

Stiffness & Swelling

Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee, with occasional mild swelling.

Clicking & Grinding

Sensations of catching, clicking, or grinding during knee movement.

Pain After Sitting

Stiffness and discomfort when standing up after prolonged sitting — 'movie theater sign.'

Instability

Feeling that the knee might buckle or give way, especially during activity or on uneven terrain.

The ART Approach

How ART Treats Knee Pain

Active Release Techniques addresses the muscular imbalances above and below the knee causing your symptoms.

Assess the Whole Chain

Cory evaluates the quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band, hip flexors, and calf muscles to identify the adhesions creating abnormal knee mechanics.

Release Key Adhesions

Targeted ART protocols break apart scar tissue in the structures driving your knee dysfunction — restoring proper muscle balance and patellar tracking.

Normalize Knee Mechanics

With balanced muscle function restored, the knee tracks properly, friction resolves, and pain is eliminated at its source.

Your Visit

What to Expect During Treatment

Consultation & Assessment

Cory begins with a thorough evaluation — testing range of motion, identifying trigger points, and locating the exact soft tissue structures involved.

Targeted ART Treatment

Using one of 500+ specific protocols, Cory applies precise tension while you perform directed movements. Sessions typically last 15–30 minutes.

Progressive Improvement

Most patients notice improvement after the first session. A typical treatment plan of 3–5 visits resolves the condition. No drugs, no surgery, no downtime.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ART help with IT band syndrome?+

IT band syndrome is one of the conditions ART treats most effectively. The IT band itself doesn't stretch, but the muscles that feed into it — TFL, vastus lateralis, glutes — develop adhesions that ART precisely targets.

What about runner's knee?+

Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain) is almost always caused by muscular imbalances creating abnormal patellar tracking. ART resolves the adhesions in the quads, hamstrings, and IT band that pull the kneecap off track.

Do I need an MRI first?+

Not necessarily. Cory's hands-on evaluation often identifies the problem without imaging. Bring any existing imaging to your first visit, but don't delay treatment waiting for an MRI.

How many sessions will I need?+

Most knee pain patients improve significantly in 3–5 sessions. IT band syndrome and runner's knee respond particularly well to ART.

Can I keep exercising?+

In most cases, yes — with modifications. Cory will advise what to adjust during treatment to support recovery while maintaining fitness.

Medical Disclaimer: Content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Results vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.