Weekly massage effective in reducing pain from knee osteoarthritis  

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints. Also called degenerative joint disease, OA of the knee happens when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time.  Current treatment options for knee osteoarthritis, such as pain relievers, have limited effectiveness and potentially have adverse side effects.

Massage is a safe and effective complement option to manage knee osteoarthritis. Researchers from Duke University Medical Center conducted an evidence-based study to examine the effects of whole-body massage on knee osteoarthritis.  The study which involved more than 200 participants was published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

The study was a randomised control trial conducted at multiple sites where massage was compared to light-touch and usual care in adults with knee osteoarthritis. The treatment was a 60 minute full-body massage following a standard protocol or light-touch.  222 adults with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled in the program, 200 completed 8-week assessments, and 175 completed 52-week assessments.

Participants in massage or light-touch groups received eight weekly treatments, then were randomized to biweekly intervention or usual care to week 52. The original usual care group continued to week 24.  Assessments were at baseline and weeks 8, 16, 24, 36, and 52.

The primary measures were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), which has a total score range from 0 to 100 (worst pain). The secondary measures were: visual analog pain scale, PROMIS Pain Interference, knee range of motion, and timed 50-ft walk.

At 8 weeks, massage significantly improved WOMAC total scores compared to light-touch and usual care. Massage also improved pain, stiffness, and physical function WOMAC subscale scores compared to light-touch and usual care.

At 52 weeks, there was no significant difference in change across groups. Adverse events were minimal.

The authors concluded weekly massage is effective as a symptom relief which makes it an attractive short-term treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. Longer-term biweekly dose maintained improvement, but did not provide additional benefit beyond the usual care post 8-week treatment.