Wear and tear is an inevitable part of the aging process but pain does not have to be.
Receiving a diagnosis of arthritis in a hip or knee joint conjures up an image of gradual decline in mobility, increasing stiffness, ‘bone on bone’ grating pain, weakness and instability.
But what if I told you that it doesn’t have to be this way?
With the correct massage techniques and strengthening exercises, pain and immobility associated with osteoarthritis in the hip and knee can improve allowing the client to perform daily activities with more confidence (1)
In one review of 8 case studies, the strength and function of lower limbs can improve by up to 33% (2). There are more examples of research available which supports the positive impact that massage and strength training can have on major joint arthritis.
- Ali, L Rosenberger, A. Perlman; 2017; Massage Therapy & Quality of Life in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Qualitative Study [online] Pain Medicine: the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine: Oxford University Press18(6): 1168-1175 [Feb 2021]
- DeVries, 2015, Strength Training Can Crush Arthritis Pain [online]. Arthritis Health [Feb 2021]