Knee Pain & Arthritis Relief In Whistler

Whether it’s ski / snowboard season, trail running, or just walking the dog—knee pain can slow you down. From sports injuries to early-onset arthritis, we help you get back to moving strong and pain-free.

At Mend Health Co, we treat the root of your knee pain, restore stability, and support long-term joint health with targeted, evidence-based care.

Is This You?

  • Stiff, achy knees that hurt after sitting or first thing in the morning

  • Discomfort going up or down stairs

  • Pain with squatting, lunging, or running

  • Clicking, catching, or swelling around the kneecap

  • Early-stage arthritis or a history of ACL/MCL injuries

  • You’ve been told you have “wear and tear” but want to stay active

    If any of that sounds familiar, we should talk.

WhyKnee Pain Doesn’t Just “Go Away”

Your knees are caught in the middle. They take the load from above and below—and if your hips, glutes, or feet aren’t pulling their weight, your knees take the hit.

When we see knee pain in clinic, it’s often part of a bigger picture. Glute inhibition, quad dominance, weak hip control, limited ankle mobility, or scar tissue from past injuries can all shift how you move—and where stress lands.

Getting better means improving how the whole chain functions, not just the joint.

Common Causes We See in Clinic

Movement + Muscle Factors

  • Glute weakness or delayed activation

  • Quad dominance (especially rectus femoris overuse)

  • Patellar tracking issues (esp. from vastus medialis or ITB imbalance)

  • Hip tightness or poor rotation control

  • Ankle mobility restrictions altering gait

Injury + Lifestyle Factors

  • Previous ACL, MCL, or meniscus injuries

  • Overuse from skiing, hiking, running, or lifting

  • Early or moderate osteoarthritis

  • Long hours sitting or repetitive knee stress (e.g. stair work, trades)

  • Post-surgical changes (arthroscopy, ACL repair, TKR)

How We Assess Knee Pain

No guesswork, no cookie-cutter protocols. Your first session includes a focused, functional assessment so we can treat what matters most.

What we may assess:

  • Hip, knee, and ankle mobility

  • Glute, quad, and hamstring activation patterns

  • Gait and functional movement (squat, stairs, single-leg balance)

  • SI joint or pelvic involvement

  • Palpation for swelling, scar tissue, and fascial tension

  • Special orthopedic tests (if needed) to check ligaments, meniscus, or tracking

You’ll leave knowing what’s contributing to your pain—and what we’re doing to fix it.

How Our Integrative Approach Helps

We use orthopedic and sports acupuncture techniques to reduce pain, activate key muscle groups, and support joint recovery. Every treatment is tailored to what we find in your assessment and adjusted as your body changes.

You may experience:

  • Motor Point Acupuncture: To fire inhibited glutes, quads, or deep rotators.

  • Dry Needling: To reset tension in the quads, ITB, hamstrings, or adductors.

  • Electroacupuncture: To decrease inflammation and promote joint perfusion.

  • Manual Therapy / Gua Sha / Cupping: For fascial glide, post-op scar tissue, or kneecap tracking.

  • Distal Needling: For deeper systemic support or when local tissues are too reactive.

We work with what your body needs most—then help it build capacity.

5 At-Home Tips for Knee Pain & Arthritis

Try these between sessions to improve strength, stability, and mobility:

  1. Monster Walks
    Strengthens glutes and lateral stability.
    → Place a resistance band above the knees and take slow side steps with control, keeping knees bent and feet aligned.

  2. Glute Bridges
    Reinforces posterior chain engagement.
    → Lying on your back, press through your heels to lift your hips. Exhale fully at the top to keep ribs down.

  3. Wall Sits
    Isometric strength for quads and glutes.
    → Slide down into a seated position against the wall. Hold 20–60 seconds while keeping knees aligned over ankles.

  4. Couch Stretch
    Releases tight hip flexors and quads.
    → Place one knee on the floor with the shin against a wall or couch, the other leg forward in a lunge. Tuck the pelvis and stay tall.

  5. 6. Seated VMO Extensions
    Isolates the vastus medialis to support better knee tracking and reduce pain.
    → Sit with your leg straight and a rolled towel under your knee. Slowly lift your heel while keeping the back of your knee pressing down into the towel. Focus on tightening the inner quad (teardrop) muscle. Hold for 3–5 seconds, then lower with control.

!! When Acupuncture Isn’t Your First Step

Please check with a physician before booking if:

  • Your knee is visibly deformed, unstable, or severely swollen

  • You cannot fully bear weight

  • You had a recent fall, twist, or direct trauma

  • You experience numbness or weakness below the knee

Once cleared, we’re here to support your recovery.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms or a medical emergency, please seek appropriate medical attention.

Ready to Get Back to the Sports You Love?

Don’t let knee pain be the reason you miss another season. We’ll treat what’s causing the pain—not just where it hurts—and help you stay active for the long haul.
Serving Whistler, Pemberton & the Sea to Sky Corridor.