Understanding the Benefits of Massage for Knee Pain

When you think of global epidemics, knee pain might not readily come to mind. But the prevalence of knee pain is significant with studies estimating that knee pain affects approximately 25% percent of adults, with its prevalence increasing almost 65% over the past 20 years, accounting for nearly 4 million primary care visits annually.[1]

 

The cause of knee pain varies and can be the result of traumatic injuries, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage; inflammation, which can begin due to a bacterial or fungal infection; and medical conditions, including: [2]

 

Osteoarthritis: Occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears away, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis affects older individuals; however, it can affect younger people, especially athletes and others who have experienced joint injury and trauma.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that can affect the knees, among various other joints in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint deformity and bone erosion.

 

Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to swelling, inflammation, and pain. It can affect range of motion in the knee.

 

Regardless of the cause, knee pain can impact day-to-day activities and limit mobility, impacting quality of life.

 

Knee pain symptoms

 

In addition to pain itself, other symptoms of knee pain include: [3]

·         Swelling or redness around the knee joint

·         A grating or grinding feeling

·         Weakness or instability in the knee

·         Popping or clicking

·         Limited ability to flex or extend the knee, known as locking

·         Warmth or redness of the knee

·         Difficulty bearing weight

 

Risk factors for knee pain

 

Age: Knee pain can increase with age due to natural joint wear and tear.

 

Excess weight: Stress on joints increases from being overweight or obese, even during ordinary activities, such as walking or going up and down stairs.

 

Lack of muscle flexibility or strength: Knee injuries can occur due to a lack of strength and flexibility.

 

Certain sports or occupations: Sports with high impact or repetitive movement of the knee, such as running or soccer, can contribute to knee injuries. Certain jobs such as construction that require heavy lifting, frequent climbing and standing may increase the risk of knee pain.

 

Previous injuries: Past knee injuries can increase the risk of chronic pain and arthritis.

 

Knee pain treatment

 

In addition to self-care measures to protect the knee, such as knee braces, and when injuries occur RICE, which stands for rest the knee by reducing or modifying activities, ice packs or cold compression, compression bandages or knee sleeves, and elevation of the leg whenever possible, there are medications to alleviate pain.  They range from over-the-counter options such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prescription drugs.

 

A healthcare provider can recommend certain exercises to restore flexibility, strengthen muscles, and target muscle groups to help lessen pain. Also changes in lifestyle can help, such as avoiding exercises that put excess strain in the knees and maintaining a healthy weight.

 

Research on massage therapy for knee pain

 

Complementary therapies such as massage have shown their role in offering relief from knee pain whether due to a sore or arthritic joint. Among the benefits of massage therapy for knee pain are: [4]

 

• Bringing blood flow to the joint
• Improving circulation in the area
• Reducing the swelling
• Bringing in new joint fluid
• Reducing overall pain and stiffness

 

 

Research on massages for knee pain as it relates to osteoarthritis, one of the most common causes, indicates the following results:

 

Efficacy of massage for knee osteoarthritis: A clinical trial published in 2018 compared the effects of whole-body massage on knee osteoarthritis to active control (light touch) and usual care. The study included 222 adults with knee osteoarthritis, of which 200 completed 8-week assessments and 175 completed 52-week assessments. Participants received 60 minutes of protocolized full-body massage or light-touch.

 

Results indicated in 8 weeks, massage significantly improved Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) of pain, stiffness, and physical functioning of the joints compared to light touch and usual care. Additionally, massages improved pain, stiffness and physical function WOMAC subscale scores compared to light touch and usual care. Researchers concluded that the efficacy of symptom relief and safety of weekly massage makes it an attractive short-term treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. Beyond 8-week treatment, however, researchers found maintenance biweekly massage sustained improvement but did not provide additional benefit beyond usual care[5]

 

Research review on massage for knee pain: In 2021, researchers conducted a review on the efficacy of massage therapy in improving outcomes for osteoarthritis of the knee. The review included twelve studies with 737 participants. Researchers found that after 1–4 weeks of therapy, there was a significant reduction in pain and stiffness scores in the massage group.  And after 6–8 weeks of therapy, there was a significant reduction in stiffness and functionality scores. However, researchers found no significant difference in outcomes with long-term therapy (over 12 weeks).

 

Researchers also found a statistically significant reduction in stiffness scores with aromatherapy massage. Compared to control, Aromatherapy massage may also improve joint stiffness, but it is not better than standard massage. Researchers concluded that massage therapy may lead to improvement in pain, stiffness, and functionality scores in the short term but not in long term.[6]

 

Massage therapy for knee pain considerations

 

Massage can be helpful if the cause is arthritis pain, muscle tension, overuse, and mild injuries. Still there are considerations related to massage for knee pain relief. The Arthritis Foundation advises using caution if an individual has: [7]

 

·         Damaged or eroded joints from arthritis 

·         Flare of inflammation, fever, or a skin rash 

·         Severe osteoporosis (brittle bones) 

·         High blood pressure 

·         Varicose veins 

 

While clients suffering from knee pain, especially from arthritis, may benefit from massage, advise them to consult with their health care providers before beg