Can Massage help Arthritis?

 

Can Massage help Arthritis?

According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, in 2006 a study was conducted testing the benefits of massage on osteoarthritis (aka: degenerative joint disease).  Here is what they found.



The effects were gauged on five different outcome measures:



•    Range of Motion

•    Pain

•    Function

•    Stiffness

•    Patient subjective pain level (VAS scale)



Massage was found to help in all of theses areas!  It was found to be a safe and effective means of treatment for osteoarthritis.



I believe the next study should test the effects of muscle work, or even better Active Release Techniques®, on prevention of osteoarthritis.  I would assume if it is good for treatment then it would also be an effective means for prevention.

 

-Thanks for reading

Dr. Sebastian Gonzales DC, CSCS, CGFI-MP3

Elite ART® Provider

USA Track & Field Level 1 Coach



P3 Sports Care

18700 Main St.  Suite 206

Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Perlman, Adam. (2006). Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee . Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(22), Retrieved from http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/22/2533/a