December 22, 2006 – Swedish massage would relieve symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, study by American researchers concludes1.
Sixty-eight people participated in this clinical trial. An initial group of 34 participants received a one-hour Swedish massage, twice a week for the first four weeks, then once a week for the next four. A second group of 34 participants served as a control group and received the usual treatments: pain medication, exercise, hot and cold therapy, cortisone injections and, in some cases, surgery.
After eight weeks, marked relief of several symptoms was seen in the subjects who received the Swedish massage, including pain, stiffness and functional ability. The positive effects even continued to be felt after stopping treatment.
The condition of the participants in the control group, however, did not change. After an eight week break, they too received Swedish massages. The researchers then noted an improvement in symptoms related to osteoarthritis of the knee.
“This study indicates that Swedish massage therapy is safe and effective in relieving pain and improving the functional capacity of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee,” write the study authors.
The researchers stress, however, that Swedish massage should not supplant all other existing therapies. People with osteoarthritis of the knee should continue to exercise, watch their weight and, if necessary, take certain medications.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters Health.
1. Perlman A et al. Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med 2006 Dec 11; 166 (22): 2533-8.
