“I have had sich a great experience seeing Dr. Bergin. When other offices have told me I just had muscle damage or the only thing they could do for me was give shots, he said he had others ways to manage my pain and numbness, along with improving mobility. And he was right! I feel so much better! With such friendly staff and welcoming office environment, it makes for an amazing experience. I'll definitely continue seeing him!”
Condition
Knee Pain Treatment
in Lakeland and The Villages, FL
If you have been told a knee replacement is the next step, there is a conversation to have before that one. Non-surgical knee care, including knee decompression, at both offices.
- 22 years in practice
- Knee decompression on site
- No injections, no surgery
- $47 new-patient exam
Medically reviewed by Dr. Justin Bergin, DC Updated September 18, 2026
Quick summary
Most people arriving here with knee pain have already been offered an injection or told a replacement is coming. Non-surgical knee care aims at the load going through the joint instead: knee decompression, Omniwave shockwave and cold laser therapy, prescribed by Dr. Justin Bergin, DC after an examination that also checks the hip and lower back.
Understanding knee pain
Knee pain can come from the joint surfaces, the cartilage, the ligaments, the tendons or the bursae. It can also be referred into the knee from the hip or lower back. Osteoarthritis is the most common source after fifty, and it is not always the one causing your symptoms.
Here is the part that changes the plan. How much a worn knee hurts correlates poorly with how bad the scan looks.
Two people with the same imaging can have very different function. That is where non-surgical care has room to work.
How it works
The joint under load
The knee is a hinge carrying several times your body weight with each step, depending almost entirely on the tissue around it for stability. Cartilage lines the joint surfaces, two menisci sit between the bones as spacers, and four main ligaments hold the joint together.
The surface wears
Osteoarthritis is the gradual loss of that cartilage surface with changes in the bone beneath. It gives stiffness after sitting, pain on stairs, grinding on movement, and buckling once the muscle and ligament support weakens.
What sets the difference
The difference is usually load, strength and what the hip and lower back are doing.
Are you trying to avoid an operation?
Most people who walk in with a painful knee are trying to avoid an operation. That is the honest starting point.
The sequence is familiar. The knee gets sore. You are told it is arthritis and given something for the pain. Then an injection. Then another that does less than the first.
Then a conversation about a replacement with the word eventually attached. Nowhere in that sequence does anyone examine what is loading the joint.
What gets examined before the knee gets blamed?
ChiroMed Wellness Centers works the other end of the problem. Dr. Justin Bergin, DC, 22 years in practice, examines the knee, then the hip and the lower back.
A good share of knee pain is referred from above, and it never improves while only the knee is treated.
What happens when the knee is the source?
Where the knee is the source, the plan unloads it. Knee decompression, Omniwave shockwave, cold laser therapy, and structured care for people who have already had surgery.
None of that replaces a knee that genuinely needs replacing, and saying so is part of an honest examination.
Independent background: Osteoarthritis symptoms and causes, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Symptoms
Most people recognize their own version somewhere in this list. Each one maps to a specific finding the examination checks for.
- Pain climbing or descending stairs
- Stiffness after sitting still
- Swelling around the kneecap
- Grinding or crunching on bending
- The knee giving way
- Pain kneeling or squatting
- Aching at night after activity
- Losing the last of the straightening
- Reduced walking distance
Common causes
Knee osteoarthritis
The most common source of persistent knee pain after fifty, as cartilage thins and the bone beneath adapts. Stiffness after rest, pain on stairs, and a shrinking walking distance.
Meniscus injury and degeneration
The spacers between the bones tear with a twist or fray with age. Catching, locking and pain on deep bending are the signs, and many degenerative tears do well without surgery.
Ligament injury
Sprains and tears follow a twist, a fall or a collision. The knee feels unstable rather than sore, and instability is a finding that sends a case to a surgeon.
Patellofemoral pain
Pain behind or around the kneecap from how it tracks as the knee bends. Worse on stairs, on hills and after long periods sitting with the knee bent.
Bursitis and tendon pain
The bursae cushioning the knee and the tendons crossing it become irritated with kneeling or a sudden increase in activity. This tissue responds well to shockwave therapy.
Referred pain from the hip or lumbar spine
Hip arthritis and irritated lumbar nerve roots both refer pain into the knee, sometimes with no hip or back symptoms at all. A knee that examines clean is not a knee problem.
How we treat knee pain in Lakeland and The Villages
Knee care here aims at unloading the joint and rebuilding tolerance rather than masking pain. Knee decompression, Omniwave shockwave, cold laser therapy and rehabilitation after surgery are the tools. Which ones you get comes from the examination of the knee, hip and lower back.
Knee Decompression to Unload the Joint
Controlled traction is applied across the knee to separate the joint surfaces. That takes load off tissue that has been ground together for years.
No competitor in either market offers it. It is not a replacement and it does not rebuild the joint. What it changes is the load inside it.
Dr. Bergin decides candidacy at the examination and says no when the joint is too far gone.
Omniwave Shockwave for the Tissue Around the Knee
Acoustic pressure waves are delivered through the skin into painful tendon and soft tissue around the joint, with no needle and no anesthetic. We use the Omniwave system.
It targets the tendon and bursal pain that sits alongside an arthritic knee and gets blamed on the arthritis. Cash pay protocol.
Cold Laser Therapy for Irritated Joint Tissue
Low level laser is applied over the joint to support the body's own repair response in irritated tissue. Sessions are short and there is nothing to feel beyond mild warmth.
Delivered as part of chiropractic care, so it bills insurance, and combined with the rest of the plan.
Rehabilitation After Knee Surgery
Some knees do need an operation, and what happens afterwards decides how much function comes back.
We take patients after a replacement, after a scope and after ligament repair. The work is range, gait, and the hip and back mechanics the surgery did not address.
Available at our 2 locations
Treatment at our Lakeland office, and also at:
What recovery usually looks like
Settling the joint The early visits
The first target is a knee less irritable day to day. Stairs and getting out of a chair usually change before the background ache does.
Building tolerance Through the active plan
Care shifts to how much the knee can do before it complains. Walking distance becomes the measure, and the hip and lower back work carries as much weight as anything applied to the knee.
Maintenance After the plan ends
An arthritic knee does not stop being arthritic. Maintenance means a planned, limited set of reviews to hold the function you regained, chosen by you rather than assumed.
The non-responder At the agreed checkpoint
Some knees do not respond, usually the ones with no joint space left. If the reassessment shows nothing has changed, you get an orthopedic referral rather than another block of care.
When to seek care sooner
What to try at home first. For an aching knee with no locking, no giving way and no injury behind it, start with what changes the load.
Keep walking, but in shorter, more frequent walks on flat ground rather than one long one.
Build the quadriceps and glutes. A weak thigh is one of the few things about an arthritic knee you can actually change. Sit to stand repetitions from a firm chair are enough to begin.
Losing even a modest amount of weight reduces the force through the joint with every step.
Cut deep squatting and kneeling for two weeks. Ice after activity, heat before it. Use a stick in the opposite hand if the knee gives way.
Give that three weeks and watch whether things are heading the right way. If walking distance is still shrinking, if the knee swells after ordinary activity, or if you plan your day around it, get it examined.
Calf pain with swelling, or new numbness or weakness in the leg, needs a physician rather than us. Older adults who fall should be checked for a fracture even if they can still walk.
Some knee symptoms need a doctor the same day. If the knee is hot and swollen with a fever, get medical care first. Same for a knee you cannot stand on after a fall, or one that locks and will not straighten. Sudden swelling within an hour of an injury is the same.
Cost, insurance and financing
Knee care costs what the plan costs, and the plan comes from the examination rather than a package chosen in advance. It goes in writing at the report of findings, before you decide anything.
The one published price
Consultation, Exam, X-Rays (If Needed) & Report of Findings: Only $47
What affects the cost
- Whether the source is the knee, the hip or the lumbar spine
- Whether a knee decompression protocol is part of the plan
- Whether Omniwave shockwave is added for tendon pain
- How much walking distance and range have been lost
- Whether imaging is needed to settle the diagnosis
What a course includes
- The consultation, examination and report of findings
- Digital X-rays where they change the plan
- A written home loading program for knee, hip and thigh
Payment:
Chiropractic care and the cold laser therapy delivered with it bill insurance, with benefits verified before your first visit.
Knee decompression and Omniwave shockwave are cash pay protocols, quoted in writing before they start.
On Medicare, coverage varies by plan and by service. Our front desk will tell you exactly what applies before you commit to anything.
Payment plans are available for self-pay care.
Who you would be seeing
Who examines the knee?
Dr. Justin Bergin, DC has practiced 22 years and examines knees the way a spine doctor does.
The hip and lower back are tested before anyone concludes the knee is the problem.
What if your knee is not a candidate?
His own history with chronic pain is why appointments are not rushed and why candidacy is stated plainly instead of softened.
If knee decompression is not going to help your joint, he will tell you at the first visit.
Dr. Justin Bergin, DC, 22 years in practice, performs the examination personally and explains the findings before any program starts. Lakeland: 6595 Florida Ave S, Suite 13, Lakeland. The Villages market office: 929 US-441 #404, Lady Lake. Both offices run the same program.
Getting to us
How easy is the Lakeland office to reach?
The Lakeland office at 6595 Florida Ave S, Suite 13 sits on South Florida Avenue close to the Polk Parkway. It is a short drive from Highland City, Scott Lake, Christina, Grasslands and the Lakeside Village side of the city.
Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center is about fifteen minutes north. Plenty of these knees arrive after an orthopedic consultation with a replacement on the table.
What if Lady Lake is the closer office?
The Lady Lake office at 929 US-441 #404 is minutes from Spanish Springs Town Square. It is a comfortable drive from The Villages, Summerfield, Oxford, Wildwood, Fruitland Park and Leesburg across Sumter, Lake and Marion counties.
Knees there carry golf, pickleball and a lot of walking. Those patients are usually on Medicare and want to know where they stand before they start.
Browse every condition on the conditions we treat index.
Knee Pain in recent research
These sources are independent of this practice and none of them endorses it. They are listed so the reasoning behind the care can be checked rather than taken on trust.
- Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee
The current Cochrane review finding exercise gives small short-term improvements in knee osteoarthritis pain and function, with benefit falling away once it stops.
- Knee Injuries and Disorders
The National Library of Medicine summary of knee problems, a useful check on whether your knee is a load problem or a structural one.
Options compared, honestly
This is treated very differently depending on who you walk in to see. Here is the full set, including the options this practice does not provide.
| Option | What it is | Typically considered when | Invasive? | Offered at ChiroMed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knee decompression Our approach | Controlled traction that separates the joint surfaces and takes load off them | The joint is painful under load and the examination says there is tolerance to work with | No | Yes. Cash pay, quoted in writing first |
| Omniwave shockwave | Acoustic pressure waves into painful tendon and soft tissue | Tendon and soft tissue pain has outlasted rest | No | Yes. Cash pay protocol |
| Cold laser therapy | Low level laser over the joint to support tissue repair | The joint is irritable and needs settling alongside the plan | No | Yes. Billed to insurance as chiropractic care |
| Cortisone or hyaluronic acid injection | A steroid or gel injected into the joint | Pain is severe enough to block everything else | Minimally | Not performed here. Reasonable for short term control |
| PRP or orthobiologic injection | An injection prepared from blood or other biological material | A specialist recommends biologics before surgery | Minimally | Not performed here. We make no claim about it |
| Radiofrequency ablation | Heat applied to the small nerves carrying pain from the knee | Surgery is unwanted or unsuitable and a specialist confirms the nerve target | Minimally | Not performed here. A genuine option for someone who cannot have surgery |
| Total knee replacement | Surgery replacing the worn joint surfaces with an implant | The joint surface is gone and walking distance has collapsed | Yes | Not performed here. Often the right call for an end stage joint, and we refer rather than stall |
Four of these options are things we do not do. A knee replacement is a genuinely good operation for a worn out joint. It disappoints two groups: people who had it while there was still something to work with, and people who delayed it too long. The examination exists to tell you honestly which you are.
What to expect
From evaluation to a plan for your knee pain
A course, not a single visit. The examination decides the length and the cost, and both are written down first.
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01Evaluation
Orthopedic and neurological testing, with imaging on site where it changes the plan.
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02Findings, in plain language
What the examination actually found, and honestly whether this is a case conservative care can help at all.
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03A written program
Which disciplines, how many visits, over what period, and what it costs. Decided before anything begins.
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04Reassessment as it runs
Function is re-measured through the course. If the response says the plan should change, it changes.
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Find out what is actually driving it before choosing a program.
“Dr. Bergin was instrumental in relieving my back pain which I had for many years. The techniques he used on relieving my back pain were impressive. I been going to chiropractors for years and Dr. Bergin is the best. Thank You Dr. Bergin :)”
“Took a good amount of time going over my preliminary results and going over potential care plan. Great adjustment and doesn’t sugarcoat when discussing. Would recommend”
“The environment is incredible at this office with the staff and also both doctors are extremely friendly and great at what they do”
“Amazing, Super friendly and talented Staff and Doctors! My back was a hot mess after a semi hit my car on my first day moving to Florida. But after going through the treatment program I was able to get my neck, my back and my life in alignment. It was a total transformation. Thank You New City Chiropractic!”
“Hands down the best chiropractic office out there! They are super friendly and make me feel comfortable to tell then what’s wrong. They always ensure the best treatment for their patients!”
“I absolutely love this place , it is like going to visit family. They are always so pleasant , happy , and professional. I always enjoy seeing the ladies , they always put a smile on my face and even if I am having a bad day. The doctors are always so friendly and concerned with my well being. I actually look forward to going there and miss them on the days that I don't go.”
“I only wish it was closer. You are welcome it's definitely a compliment and I have read the great comments people made about the facility and staff! Amen Open one in Auburndale please!!”
“HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend coming here if you have any pains in your back or neck!! These guys are AMAZING at what they do!! Just a few months into coming here, I feel a change in the way I walk, the way my head sits on my shoulders, and I just feel GREAT; ALL THE TIME!! Crazy what some little adjustments did for me!!”
“This is an awesome chiropractic!! They are all nice and kind! Ever Since I have been adjusting my back, I don't need to take medicine before I go to bed. Also, I have been sleeping without waking up in the middle of the night because of the pain!! I really recommend the chiropractic 😊”
“Dr. Bergin at Chiromed Wellness Centers is the best chiropractor in town. I no longer have to take pain meds. If you still have pain, you’re not seeing to best chiropractor.”
“Love this place!! Cynthia and Angie are amazing! So nice and helpful!! The chiropractor’s are also amazing!! Just a great place overall! I highly recommended it!!”
“Look them up I waited so long to see a chiropractor and I found this place and am so happy that I did . Love the Drs they are so helpful and make feel like family.”
“The staff is super friendly and they walked me through the whole process. I’ve been going for a few weeks now and I’m already feeling results! The treatment the offer is very hands on and informative. I’ve never had manual adjustments until coming to this office and the staff makes you feel comfortable and takes care of your needs. Highly recommend !”
“The best Chiropractic center in South lakeland! love it here the Doctors are very urged to help with any of your needs, the beautiful assistants are nice and helpful they really make you feel welcomed. Most highly recommended Chiropractic Center. :)”
“Muy profesional la atención es formidable todos los empleados son muy amigables.Y muy efectiva sus terapias..Los recomiendo 100x100%”
“My pain has decreased dramatically, I’m no longer stretching and moving my neck in every angle trying to find relief. Every part of my body I can feel is finally getting closer to symmetry! All I can say is you should give new city a try!”
“I love this place!! They're very caring for their patients and strive to help you feel better. I strongly recommend giving them a try. I promise you won't regret it”
“The staff is very knowledgeable and organized, they get to know you and are flexible about fitting your treatment in to your life. They use proven methods to treat the root of your issues and the results are incredible. I was in a lot of pain after a car crash and within a few weeks I was able to go back to my normal routine with no discomfort.”
“I have seen and feel the change in my body since I started, I use to have major pain in my knees and neck ache. I'm an athlete and constantly need more adjustments, and every time I come I always without a doubt feel welcomed and important.”
Get in touch
Schedule your knee pain evaluation
Tell us what you are feeling and which office is closer. The front desk answers during office hours; leave a message after hours and they call back the next open day.
- 1
Send the form
Two minutes. Tell us what hurts and which office is closer.
- 2
We call you back
A real person, during office hours, to find a time that works.
- 3
Exam and answers
History, orthopedic and neurological testing, imaging on site when it changes the plan.
- $47 consultation, exam, X-rays if needed and report of findings
- Payment plans available on the self-pay programs
- 4.8 out of 5 from 225 Google reviews
- Choose Lakeland or The Villages on the form
Knee Pain questions
Tap a message for the honest answer. Call Lakeland (863) 940-3444
What type of doctor is best for knee pain?
It depends what is wrong. A knee that is unstable, locked or has a confirmed structural tear belongs with an orthopedic surgeon.
A knee whose problem is load, stiffness and worn cartilage is often better served first by a non-surgical provider. One who examines the hip and lower back too.
A pain specialist matters when surgery is unsuitable.
What is the new injection for knee pain?
The term usually means hyaluronic acid gel, or platelet rich plasma and other biologic injections offered in some clinics.
We perform none of them and make no claim about them. If a specialist has recommended one, have that conversation with them.
We can tell you what non-surgical care without injections looks like.
Can radiofrequency ablation be used to treat knee pain?
Yes. Pain specialists use heat to interrupt the small nerves carrying pain signals from the knee.
It is used most often for arthritic pain in people who cannot have or do not want a replacement. It is not performed here.
It does not change the mechanics of the joint, which is a real difference worth understanding.
Can knee pain come from my back or hip?
Yes, and it is missed regularly. Hip arthritis and irritated lumbar nerve roots both refer pain into the knee, sometimes without any hip or back symptoms.
The tell is a knee that examines normally and does not hurt when loaded directly, while the hip or lower back reproduces your pain. Both are examined here.
Does Medicare cover non-surgical knee treatment?
Some services yes, some no, depending on your plan. Chiropractic care has defined Medicare coverage rules; device protocols such as knee decompression and shockwave are generally not covered and run here as cash pay.
Coverage varies by plan and by service. Our front desk will tell you exactly what applies before you commit to anything.
Who are some good pain doctors in The Villages, Florida?
Rather than a list, here is how to judge one. Ask whether they examine the hip and lower back as part of a knee assessment.
Ask what they offer besides injections, and what happens if the first one does not work. Ask who they refer to and when.
Ask for the plan and the cost in writing before you start.
Same-week appointments
Start with an examination, not a package.
Find out what is actually driving it before choosing a program.
- 4.8 out of 5 on Google
Consultation, Exam, X-Rays (If Needed) & Report of Findings: Only $47