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Could Massage Help Ease The Pain Of Your Knee Osteoarthritis?

9 May 2016

Greg Jacobs

If you've suffered from intermittent knee pain for years, you may be surprised to learn that what you once deemed the typical aches and pains of aging is actually osteoarthritis of the knee. This condition results from the natural wear and tear on the cartilage that keeps your knees anchored into place, and can sometimes be exacerbated or accelerated by an untreated knee injury that changes the way you place weight on your joints. While there is no "cure" for osteoarthritis, there are a number of therapies and treatments that can help manage the pain and stiffness associated with this condition and help you live a more active life for years to come. Read on to learn more about how massage therapy can be incorporated into your osteoarthritis management routine.

Why is it important to first seek non-invasive therapies for your osteoarthritis? 

Because osteoarthritis is a degenerative ailment, it grows worse over time. This means that ignoring it or treating any pain you experience with over-the-counter medications could leave you in even worse pain down the road as the protective cushioning in your knees continues to degrade. However, you don't want to immediately jump into invasive treatments like orthoscopic surgery or a knee replacement, as the recuperation time and expense associated with these procedures may be overkill for the amount of pain or stiffness you're currently experiencing -- and in some cases, may even accelerate the progression of your osteoarthritis.  

Your best bet is to pursue non-invasive treatments that can be incorporated into your daily life and -- most importantly -- give your body the tools and energy it needs to protect your knees from further damage. By doing so, you'll essentially stop the clock on your osteoarthritis until your chronological age has caught up with the biological age of your knees.

When should you seek massage treatment for your osteoarthritis of the knee? 

Massage of the knee can benefit those dealing with osteoarthritis in a few specific ways. First, massage improves blood flow and circulation to the area, bringing with it cells that can be used to repair minor tears and lacerations within your knee. The pressure of deep tissue massage also releases endorphins throughout your body, acting as a natural source of pain relief and even blocking the pain receptors in your brain. Massage combined with chiropractic treatment can also change the way your spine and pelvis align in relation to your knees, altering the way your weight is distributed with each step and reducing the strain on your joints. 

If you're tired of taking over-the-counter painkillers to reduce the pain you experience on a daily basis, you may want to incorporate massage therapy services into your routine to see whether it quickly makes a difference in your pain levels and overall health.

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