Positive Outcomes for Knee Pain
Dr. Zack Byrne is introducing an integrative, outcomes-focused approach to care with the opening of Alabama Shores Chiropractic, in Fairhope. With more than eight years of clinical experience, Byrne previously practiced in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, where he treated a diverse patient population in physically demanding conditions. Now based in Fairhope, he is expanding access to whole-person chiropractic services designed to improve mobility, reduce chronic discomfort and support long-term function for adults of all activity levels.
His approach blends chiropractic adjustments with complementary therapies including dry needling, spinal decompression, massage therapy and yoga instruction. Strength training, nutritional guidance and lifestyle education are also incorporated to address not just immediate symptoms but the underlying contributors to joint stress, inflammation and limited range of motion. The focus extends beyond short-term relief to building sustainable movement patterns and habits that support independence and resilience over time.
A particular area of emphasis is dry needling for osteoarthritic knee pain. Byrne reports consistent positive outcomes among adults striving to maintain walking routines, fitness classes or recreational sports. Many patients arrive having scaled back activities they once enjoyed due to discomfort or stiffness. Through individualized care plans combining manual therapy, corrective exercise and targeted dry needling, patients frequently report reduced pain, improved flexibility and renewed confidence in daily movement. Progress is measured not just in clinical metrics but in practical milestones such as climbing stairs with ease or completing a full grocery trip without hesitation.
“One of the most exciting parts of my work is seeing patients return to activities they had given up, whether that’s walking the neighborhood or getting back to the gym,” Byrne says. “When we combine chiropractic care with targeted dry needling and strength support, the improvements can be both noticeable and sustainable.”
Emerging research supports these clinical observations. A recent multicenter randomized trial published in the journal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice in October 2025 found that patients receiving electrical dry needling boosters every four weeks experienced significantly greater improvements in pain, stiffness and physical function than those receiving less frequent or no follow-up treatment. Researchers also noted that a higher percentage of participants in the more frequent group reduced or discontinued pain medication over time, highlighting both clinical and practical benefits for long-term management. For Byrne, the study reinforces what he sees in practice: Evidence-informed techniques can make a measurable difference in daily quality of life.
Beyond statistics, Byrne emphasizes everyday milestones as the most meaningful measures of success—resuming neighborhood walks, returning to strength training or navigating stairs with less hesitation. By pairing evidence-informed modalities with personalized care strategies, his practice equips patients with tools that extend beyond the treatment room, supporting both immediate relief and lasting resilience.
Location: 368 Commercial Park Dr., Fairhope. Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. For more information, call 251-269-6219 or visit ALShoresChiro.com.
