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WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Weekly massage sessions may provide short-term symptom relief for knee osteoarthritis patients, but the benefit is not maintained over one year of follow-up, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n
Adam Perlman, M.D., from Duke Integrative Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, and colleagues conducted a multisite trial in which adults with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to 60 minutes of massage, light-touch (active control), or usual care. In total, 222 adults enrolled in the study, 200 completed eight-week assessments, and 175 completed 52-week assessments.<\/p>\n
The researchers found that at eight weeks, massage significantly improved Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) global scores versus light-touch and usual care. Further, on WOMAC subscale scores, massage improved pain, stiffness, and physical function, compared to light-touch and usual care. However, at 52 weeks, the change in WOMAC global scores from baseline to 52 weeks was not significant. No significant adverse events were reported.<\/p>\n
“Massage therapy is one of the most popular complementary medicine interventions,” Perlman said in a statement. “At a time when people are looking for effective nonmedication options for pain, this study provides further evidence that massage has a potential role, at least for those suffering with osteoarthritis.”<\/p>\n
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