In 2015, research has revealed that moderate pressure massage therapy may be a promising approach to alleviating knee arthritis pain and improving mobility. The study, conducted by researchers Tiffany Field, Miguel Diego, Gladys Gonzalez, and C.G. Funk, explored the effects of massage therapy on both pain reduction and range of motion (ROM) in individuals suffering from knee arthritis.

While previous studies have shown that massage therapy can reduce pain based on self-reports, there has been limited research on its impact on ROM. This study aimed to fill that gap by investigating both pain levels and ROM before and after massage sessions.

In the study, staff and faculty members from a medical school, all experiencing knee arthritis pain, were randomly assigned to either a moderate pressure massage therapy group or a waitlist control group, with 24 participants in each group. Participants in the massage therapy group received regular sessions, while those in the control group did not.

The findings were notable. The massage therapy group experienced immediate improvements in ROM and reductions in pain associated with movement. Furthermore, by the end of the study, these participants showed significant increases in ROM and further reductions in ROM-related pain compared to the control group. In addition, they reported lower levels of overall pain and fewer sleep disturbances.

These results underscore the potential of moderate pressure massage therapy as an effective intervention for those with knee arthritis. Not only does it appear to enhance joint mobility, but it also provides lasting relief from pain and improves sleep quality, making it a valuable addition to arthritis management strategies.

Reference: Field, T., Diego, M., Gonzalez, G., & Funk, C. G. (2015). Knee arthritis pain is reduced and range of motion is increased following moderate pressure massage therapy. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 21(4), 233-237.