Chiropractic and SoftWave Therapy for Severe Knee Pain: A Retrospective Case Series from Foundation Family Chiropractic - Summerville

Abstract

Background: Severe knee pain is a pervasive musculoskeletal complaint impacting quality of life and often necessitating diverse treatment approaches. This study investigates the outcomes of integrated chiropractic care and SoftWave Therapy in patients presenting with severe knee pain. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted at Foundation Family Chiropractic - Summerville, encompassing three unique cases of patients who received care for severe knee pain. Data were collected from patient records detailing chief complaints, treatment modalities, and reported pain reduction. Results: The included cases demonstrated a mean pain reduction of 75% (median 75%). Mobility improvement was noted in patient narratives. Case 1, with a primary diagnosis of M25.56, achieved an 80% pain reduction. Case 3, diagnosed with M25.569, reported a 70% pain reduction. All patients received a combination of chiropractic adjustments and SoftWave Therapy. Conclusions: The findings suggest that integrated chiropractic care, particularly when combined with SoftWave Therapy, may be a beneficial approach for individuals experiencing severe knee pain, offering a non-surgical option for pain relief and improved function. Prospective studies with larger cohorts are warranted to further explore these observations.

Methods

This retrospective case series investigated the outcomes of patients receiving care for severe knee pain at Foundation Family Chiropractic - Summerville, located in Summerville, SC. The study included outcomes from three unique, de-identified patient cases. Inclusion criteria required individuals to have presented with severe knee pain, received chiropractic care, and had documented outcomes at the practice. Data were extracted from existing patient records, focusing on the chief complaint, primary diagnosis (ICD-10 codes where available), specific treatment modalities employed (e.g., chiropractic adjustments, SoftWave Therapy, Webster Technique, INSiGHT Subluxation Station, Structural Correction, Pediatric Adjusting, Prenatal Chiropractic, Postpartum Care, Gonstead Technique, SOT Pediatric, Cranial Adjusting), and reported changes in pain levels. Pain reduction was quantified as a percentage from baseline to final reported levels, as articulated by the patient. Mobility improvements, when available, were noted from patient narratives. The mean and median percentage reduction in pain were calculated across the available cases. The identified providers involved in care included Dr. Kyle Heimer (DC), Dr. Molly Schulting (DC), Dr. Lexi Robinson (DC), Dr. Harper Rentz (DC), and Dr. Somma Okoye (DC). This study was limited to information available within the existing de-identified patient files and did not involve prospective data collection or direct patient contact. The primary limitation of this methodology is its retrospective nature and the inherent variability in patient-reported outcomes.

Discussion

The observed outcomes in this case series suggest that integrated chiropractic care, particularly when combined with SoftWave Therapy, may be an effective non-surgical strategy for individuals experiencing severe knee pain. The aggregate mean pain reduction of 75% across the three cases, with individual reductions of 80% and 70% specifically reported, indicates a clinically meaningful improvement for these patients. These results align with broader clinical expectations for multi-modal conservative management approaches to musculoskeletal pain, where addressing both structural mechanics and physiological healing can lead to favorable outcomes.

Conventional approaches to severe knee pain often involve a progression of interventions from medication and physical therapy to injections and, eventually, surgery. However, patient satisfaction with these treatments can vary, and many individuals actively seek less invasive alternatives. The cases presented highlight the potential for chiropractic care to fill this gap. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper biomechanical function, which can be crucial in mitigating stress on the knee joint and improving its overall function. The addition of SoftWave Therapy, which is known for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, appears to complement the biomechanical adjustments by potentially accelerating tissue healing and reducing local pain generation.

The patient narratives consistently emphasized the desire for non-surgical options and reported positive shifts in both pain and, where mentioned, mobility. This suggests that the combined approach not only provided symptomatic relief but also contributed to an improved functional capacity, a key outcome for patients with severe knee pain. The consistency in reported outcomes across the de-identified cases provides initial support for the efficacy of this combined therapeutic strategy as practiced at Foundation Family Chiropractic - Summerville. Further investigation through controlled studies would be beneficial to validate these promising preliminary findings and to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which chiropractic and SoftWave Therapy collectively contribute to knee pain relief.

Limitations

This study is subject to several important limitations inherent in its design. As a retrospective case series, it relies on existing patient records, which can lead to inconsistencies in data collection and reporting. The small sample size (n=3) limits the generalizability of these findings, and the absence of a control group prevents definitive conclusions about causality. Patient-reported pain reduction percentages, while clinically relevant, are subjective metrics and may be influenced by various factors, including recall bias. Furthermore, the study was conducted at a single chiropractic clinic, Foundation Family Chiropractic - Summerville, which introduces potential selection bias and may not represent the broader population receiving similar care. The lack of standardized objective outcome measures for mobility improvement, relying instead on narrative accounts, also restricts the comprehensive evaluation of functional gains. Further research with prospective designs, larger cohorts, and standardized objective outcome measures is necessary to confirm and expand upon these preliminary observations.