Knee · Non-surgical care
Knee treatment without surgery.
Most knee pain is treated without an operation. Here is what the non-surgical options are, where regenerative treatment fits, and when surgery is the better answer.
Start with the cause.
Knee pain often comes from cartilage wear (osteoarthritis), meniscus damage, or tendon and ligament injury. Which treatment makes sense depends on which of these is driving your pain, how long it has been going on and what you want to get back to — so the first step is an examination and a review of any imaging, not a procedure.
Our physicians specialize in non-surgical regenerative options and will only recommend surgery when it is truly the right answer.
The options
Non-surgical treatment for the knee
Activity changes and exercise
Adjusting load, strengthening the muscles around the knee and physical therapy are usually the first step.
Bracing and medication
Supports and pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication can ease symptoms while other treatment takes effect.
Conventional injections
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections are commonly used to calm pain in an arthritic knee.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Your own platelets, concentrated and delivered to the injured joint, tendon or ligament.
Learn moreStem Cell Therapy
Regenerative cells to support the repair of damaged cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
Learn moreExosome Therapy
The signaling factors cells use to coordinate repair, applied to the knee.
Learn moreWhere regenerative treatment fits.
When rest, physical therapy and injections aren’t enough — but you’re not ready for a knee replacement — regenerative treatments can target the damaged tissue directly to reduce pain and improve function. They are delivered in-office under ultrasound guidance, without surgery.
They are not a guarantee. How well any treatment works varies from person to person and with how advanced the condition is, and your surgeon will set realistic expectations after reviewing your imaging. See PRP vs stem cell therapy for the knee for how the main options differ.
When surgery is the better answer
Times we will tell you to consider surgery.
If a knee replacement has been suggested, see alternatives to knee replacement.
- A knee that locks or gives way because of a torn structure that needs repair
- A ligament rupture in someone who needs the knee to be stable for their work or sport
- A fracture or other injury that needs fixing
- Advanced arthritis where pain limits daily life despite non-surgical care
Our physicians are orthopedic surgeons, so if surgery is the better answer, we say so.
Knee treatment without surgery — common questions
Can knee pain be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. Many causes of knee pain are treated with exercise, physical therapy, injections or regenerative treatment. A physician examines you and reviews any imaging to confirm the source first.
Is regenerative treatment surgery?
No. Stem cell, exosome and PRP treatments are in-office injections performed under ultrasound guidance, not surgical procedures.
How do I know which treatment is right?
Book a free consultation. After examining you and reviewing any imaging, your physician will recommend the best-fit approach.
How much does it cost, and does insurance pay?
Regenerative therapies are self-pay; we do not bill insurance for them, which is why we publish our prices. HSA and FSA funds can usually be applied, and at checkout you can use CareCredit or split the cost with Affirm Pay-in-4. The consultation is free.
Request an evaluation
Request your free consultation
Tell us what's going on and we'll call you back to arrange a time. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, so you can start without travelling to a clinic. No referral needed.
Talk it through with a surgeon.
Book a free consultation. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, and you get a plan and a price in writing before you commit to anything.