Massage therapy may do more than just relax the body - it also appears to reduce pain and improve function in people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, according to a study recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

 "The study followed 68 adults with osteoarthritis for eight weeks," explains Dr. Timothy C. Payne of M&M Orthopaedics in Downers Grove.

"These individuals were assigned either to massage therapy treatments of twice-weekly sessions for one to four weeks and once-weekly sessions thereafter or to a control group who received no massage therapy in the eight weeks," Payne said.

Rubbing an area that hurts is a natural human response. Massage therapy is based on the principle of rubbing and manipulating muscles to promote both pain relief and relaxation.

Osteoarthritis is caused by a progressive degeneration of bone cartilage and is the most common type of arthritis in the United States.

Conventional treatments include pain medication, exercise, hot and cold therapy, corticosteroid injections and surgery.

While massage therapy has been shown to relieve chronic lower back pain and musculoskeletal disorders, there has been no research on massage to help osteoarthritis sufferers. At least until now.

"This study demonstrated that after the first eight weeks, participants receiving massage had improved flexibility and range of motion and reduced pain," Payne said.

Interestingly, the improvements did not go away even when the massage therapy sessions were stopped, according to Payne.

One reason massage therapy helps relieve pain is that rubbing the skin and muscles stimulates nerves. "In the short term," explains Payne, "the massage therapy may compete with pain input in the spinal cord and help to block pain symptoms."

Massaging muscles and soft tissue also increases blood flow and relieves stress in the muscles. "The increased blood circulation may help to reduce the inflammation of osteoarthritis and bring resulting pain relief to the area," Payne said.

Know your therapist

Massage is a group of manual techniques consisting of both fixed and moveable pressure. Massage therapy sessions usually take place in a private room, with soothing background music. A person usually lies down on a special massage table.

Massage therapists are licensed in 25 states, including Illinois. Most states require 500 or more hours of education and a licensing examination.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, consumers should ask the therapist about their education, certifications and license, discuss their health history and share their goals for treatment.

Always check with your physician or health-care provider for more information and before starting any new treatment routine.