Efficacy of Massage Therapy on Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION: There are sufficient studies to demonstrate that massage is safe, feasible, and can be used as a therapy. In this study we hypothesis that massage therapy would reduce pain, stiffness, function and improve range of motion and physical function in individuals with osteoarthritis of knee. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Swedish Massage Therapy (SMT) of 25-30 Minutes duration for 15 days may reduce pain in OA knees patients and improve the Range of Motion (RoM). METHODS: A total of 80 participants with age group of 40 – 60 years were randomized into intervention and control group. Intervention group received Swedish massage therapy while control group was under usual care. Intervention lasted for 15 days. Outcomes were assessed using WOMAC INDEX and goniometry at 3rd day, 7th day and 15th day of intervention and compared with baseline data. RESULT: All changes in pain, stiffness, function and ROM for the treatment group were statistically-significantly different from baseline. For the control group there were no statistically-significant changes from baseline as all P values were greater than 5%. CONCLUSION: The study results showed that participants who have OA of the knee may benefit from the Swedish massage intervention therapy and consistent massage therapy may equate to more improved results. Further studies are needed to clarify the long-term effects of Swedish-massage on the progression and symptoms of OA of the knee