Knee Decompression in Lincoln, NE
A gentle, non-surgical path to knee comfort. Create space in the joint, take off the pressure, and get back to moving.
Knee decompression is a specialized, non-surgical approach for chronic knee discomfort. At WellnessOne Knee & Spine Center, we use advanced equipment to gently stretch the knee joint, creating a small amount of space between the thigh bone and the shin bone. This process, known as distraction, reduces pressure on the cartilage, ligaments, and tendons within the knee. For many of our Lincoln neighbors, knee trouble turns simple things, like stairs or getting out of the car, into major obstacles. This therapy is built to change that.
The science centers on rehydrating the joint. Creating negative pressure within the knee lets the body's natural lubricating fluids flow into the joint space, nourishing cartilage and clearing the waste products that contribute to stiffness. Unlike invasive procedures, knee decompression is gentle and works with the structural mechanics of your leg. The goal is long-term joint preservation: supporting the knee's natural function so you can avoid more drastic measures.
Video: how knee traction works
Symptoms knee decompression can help
If your knees feel like they are wearing out, or you have been told you are bone-on-bone, decompression may be a supportive option. We most often help patients dealing with:
- Grinding or popping when bending or straightening the leg.
- Morning stiffness that takes a long time to loosen up.
- Deep, aching discomfort that worsens after standing for long periods.
- Instability, the feeling that the knee might give out mid-step.
- Swelling and tenderness around or behind the kneecap.
- Limited motion, difficulty fully bending or straightening the leg.
These symptoms often push people toward a sedentary routine, which makes the problem worse. By addressing the mechanical pressure inside the joint, we aim to break the cycle of discomfort and inactivity, whether your knees carry years of physical labor, sports wear and tear, or simply time.
What to expect at your session
You will be seated in a specialized chair designed to isolate the knee joint, with a comfortable harness placed just above and below the knee. The machine applies a gentle, controlled pulling force, cycling through levels of tension that encourage fluid flow into the joint space. Most patients find the sensation genuinely relaxing.
Sessions last about ten to twenty minutes, and many people report feeling lighter on their feet afterward. Because the benefits are cumulative, we typically recommend a series of sessions and monitor your progress closely, adjusting the protocol so every visit moves you toward your mobility goals.
Often paired with: Class IV laser therapy to calm inflammation in the joint and surrounding tissue, and cold laser for stubborn soft-tissue irritation.
Benefits for you
The headline benefit is mobility: walking farther, standing longer, and returning to hobbies you may have given up. Patients also report smoother, quieter joint movement, less reliance on over-the-counter pain relievers, easier squatting and stair climbing, and faster recovery after overexertion. Most importantly, decompression offers the potential to delay or avoid more invasive procedures by keeping the knee you have healthy. That is the heart of our mission at WellnessOne: helping you keep your natural knees strong for all the things Lincoln life has to offer.
Questions, answered
Does knee decompression hurt?
No. Most patients find it relaxing, and many describe the moment the pressure lifts off the joint as a relief. You stay in control the entire session.
How long does a session take?
Each session typically lasts about ten to twenty minutes. Because results build over time, we usually recommend a series of sessions so the joint tissues can adapt and heal.
I was told my knee is bone-on-bone. Can this still help?
That is exactly the kind of knee we see most. Decompression creates space within the joint so lubricating fluid can flow in, which may reduce stiffness and help you stay active. Dr. Krivolavek will be honest about what to expect after your exam.
Keep the knees you have
Find out if knee decompression is right for you. No referral needed.