Research has shown that around 30% to 50% elderly undergo knee pain and are treated with knee massage daily. It was observed that 80% of knee pain was reduced in the elderly through knee massage.
Another study has observed that massage therapy is one of the most efficacious treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee as it holds no adverse effects and is a cost-effective treatment.
Evidence suggests that stiffness caused by quadriceps muscles usually affects women and leads to knee pain which is reduced through massage therapy.
What is Knee Pain?
The largest joint in the body is the knee which is built for stability, weight-bearing, and mobility. However, the stability of the knee depends on its muscles, meniscus, ligaments, and mechanical screw.
The instability and lack of mobility in the knee lead to knee pain. Knee pain is a leading health-related complication that affects people of all ages. Usually, it is common in 50 years or older. It could be caused by torn cartilage or a ruptured ligament.
Medical conditions, including gout, infections, and arthritis, are more likely to cause knee pain.
Research has analyzed that knee pain is frequent among Americans. More than 14 million people undergo symptomatic knee osteoarthritis annually.
The symptoms of knee pain:
- stiffness,
- swelling
- redness to the touch
- weakness
- crushing noise from knees
- inability to straighten the knee.
If you experience these signs, it’s high time not to ignore them. However, it’s important to understand the root cause first which may impact your knee function.
Knee Supporting Muscles
Knee function is highly dependent on the muscles surrounding that help stabilize and move the joint. The hamstrings on the posterior side and quadriceps on the anterior side of the knee are the two main muscle groups. Quadriceps have 4 muscles, including the vastus Lateralus, vastus intermedius, rectus femoris, and vastus medialis that support the extension of the knee. The efficiency is improved by the quadriceps muscle. However, the problem with the quadricep muscle leads to knee pain.
Various studies are evident that weak quadriceps are highly associated with knee pain. The stabilization of the knee joint is also based on many treatments that are true, including semi-tendinosis, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris. When the problem lies in any of these muscles and tendons, the knee is affected eventually and makes it complicated for you to bend, extend and stabilize it and causing muscle tightness. Tightness in the knee can be caused by mechanical problems, injuries, or physical stressors. Lack of strength and flexibility are additional factors. Even if you undergo knee replacement surgery, you may experience muscle tightness.
Knee Massage Benefits
It’s true that many treatments are available for knee pain, even surgeries. But all of them have adverse effects, except knee massage. Many studies have supported massage therapy for arthritic joints or sore due to various purposes.
Massages may help:
- increase the blood flow to the joint
- enhance circulation in the area
- decrease swelling
- bring in new joint fluid
- reduce overall stiffness and pain
Your overall flexibility of the muscles may be increased, which helps enhance the stability and support of the affected knee. It does not just reduce the pain but also improves the tone. It was observed that pain levels, day-to-day function, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis can be reduced through massage therapy.