| The knee is a complex arrangement of muscles, | | | | quadriceps that are too tight can put undue stress on |
| cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones that becomes | | | | the knee, leading to stress and strain injuries. Poor |
| more vulnerable to injury as we age. Chronic knee | | | | posture and leg length discrepancy can increase |
| pain can be caused by a number of factors and can | | | | stress on the back and side of the knee, leading to |
| have a negative effect on one's quality of life. | | | | misalignment, pain and swelling. |
| Massage therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness | | | | Massage that is performed regularly on the hips, back |
| in treating knee pain, as well as aiding the muscles of | | | | and legs can help to correct knee misalignment by |
| the lower body to keep the knee in proper alignment. | | | | lengthening associated muscles and improving posture. |
| Knee pain is one of the most common complaints | | | | Massage supports lymph drainage, which carries |
| among the U.S. population, accounting for more than | | | | toxins from the area and reduces the swelling |
| 11 million visits to physicians each year. The knee is | | | | associated with fluid build up. If the knee has been |
| the largest joint in the body, and its structural | | | | injured, massaging the quadriceps and hamstrings will |
| complexity makes it one of the most vulnerable | | | | reduce the amount of pressure placed on the knee, |
| areas for injury. Injuries from twisting, straining or | | | | which will aid in the recovery process. |
| trauma are common, and as we age, the cushioning | | | | Studies conducted on the efficacy of massage for |
| areas of cartilage decrease while ligaments lose much | | | | osteoarthritis of the knee have concluded that it can |
| of their elasticity. The knee joint is also frequently | | | | help to increase range of motion and reduce pain. |
| affected by osteoarthritis. Several studies have | | | | The data suggest that massage improved circulation |
| shown massage therapy to be effective in treating | | | | around the knee joint and alleviated pain and |
| knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, and there is | | | | tenderness. Regular massage (twice weekly, one |
| data to suggest that massage can relieve knee pain | | | | hour sessions) also increased patients' muscle tone |
| caused by other factors. | | | | and range of motion, which are both key factors in |
| Weight plays a significant role in the onset of knee | | | | pain reduction. |
| pain. The knee is a weight-bearing joint, and it is | | | | Conventional treatments for knee pain, especially for |
| estimated that for every 10 pounds of excess | | | | the pain associated with osteoarthritis consists of |
| weight we carry, the knee experiences an added 60 | | | | drug therapy, corticosteroid injections, modified |
| pounds of pressure. Therefore, being 20 or more | | | | exercises as well as surgery. With the exception of |
| pounds overweight is comparable to having an extra | | | | exercise, these treatments carry significant side |
| person for the knees to support. Hamstrings and | | | | effects that can be undesirable. |