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