Does Massage Help Cure
Arthritis of the Knee?
THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES

People who suffer from arthritis of the knee appear to gain lasting relief from a traditional course of Swedish Massage, researchers report.

The findings suggest that doctors may want to advise arthritis patients to add massage to the treatments they are already using, like anti-inflammatory drugs.

The study, led by Dr. Adam l. Perlman of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, appears in the current Archives of Internal Medicine.

The researchers say it was not clear how massage – which generally focuses on the muscles – helps people with a disease that affects joint tissues and bones.

“We’re really thinking there are a couple of things going on,” says the senior author of the study, Dr. David L. Katz of the Yale University School of Medicine.

Part of the benefit may come from attracting more blood to the knee, Katz says. Massage may also reduce pain in the same way that rubbing injured areas often does: by sending out sensory stimuli that compete with the pain stimuli.

The New York Times

As a department within a multi-disciplinary clinic, Massage Therapy treatments may work in tandem with chiropractic, physiotherapy, naturopathy, and kinesiology. At The Fix Massage Therapy Dept., we tailor treatment plans to our patients' conditions with combinations of massage techniques. Common clinical forms of massage are listed below. Click on any of the following to learn more (appearing in alphabetical order):

deep tissue massage
electrotherapy, laser therapy, IFC, and TENS
hydrotherapy
ice massage
lymphatic drainage
neuromuscular massage
pre/post-natal massage
remedial exercise
sports massage
swedish massage
therapeutic ultrasound
trigger point therapy


deep tissue massage
Deep Tissue Massage is performed to help release restrictions within the layers of the body's muscles (or myofascia). Proper technique, care, and strength by the therapist maximizes its effectiveness to gradually penetrate into the deeper underlying tiissues and to minimize patient discomfort. When applied properly, chronic adhesions and myofascial restrictions can be isolated and suitably addressed. Deep Tissue Massage is basically a more aggressive form of Swedish Massage and a good patient-therapist raport is vital to stay within a tolerable pain zone for the patient.

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electrotherapy, laser therapy, IFC, and TENS
Phototherapy or Laser Therapy is "a therapeutic physical modality, using photons (light energy) from the visible and infrared spectrum for tissue healing and pain reduction", as defined by the North American Association of Laser Therapy (NAALT). Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), cold or soft Laser Therapy, low energy Laser Therapy or simply Laser Therapy, the therapeutic light energy can be produced by either LED (light emitting diodes), SLD (superluminous diodes, or super bright LEDs), or low-level laser diodes. The Fix uses Laser Therapy in conjunction with Massage to encourage a speedier recovery from ailments (such as soft tissue injury) and to treat chronic problems (such as arthritic joints). In most cases, our findings indicate that this form of treatment compliments the Massage component well.

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hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of water, either internally or externally, to maintain health and prevent disease. What does this mean at The Fix? Ice packs, heating pads, or combinations of both. Depending on the injury or condition, these applications are used to control acute inflammation and soothe chronic pains. Want to know if ice or heat is your best option? Ask your therapist.

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ice massage
Typically used in conjunction with Sports Massage and Therapeutic Ultrasound, Ice Massage reduces pain and enhances healing for muscle tears, including knee injuries, bursitis, tense elbows, and more. It is also commonly used to conclude treatments where a controlled inflammatory response is required, such as friction therapy.

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lymphatic drainage
Lymph Drainage Massage is a very gentle and light rhythmic massage that stimulates the movement of lymph, assisting with the removal of excess fluids, swelling/edema, and cellular waste. This technique is especially helpful in the detoxification process and boosts the immune system.

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neuromuscular massage
A Neuromuscular Massage is applied in various pressures by the therapist, using a combination of effleurage or gliding, petrissage or grasping, friction, muscle energy, and strain/counter-strain massage techniques. Therapists often apply continuous pressure with their fingers, knuckles, and elbows to encourage proper blood flow in the area. Trigger Point Therapy falls within this domain.

Often patients will experience some muscle soreness following a Neuromuscular Massage. However, as with exercise, the tenderness will disappear within a day or two and the term "good pain" fits this description!

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pre/post-natal massage
Pre-natal Massage refers to specific massage techniques related to pregnancy, known to calm many of its discomforts such as sciatica, swelling, back and neck pain, and nausea. Studies indicate that pregnant women who receive regular therapy are often more at ease, therefore also relaxing the fetus. And yes, through each trimester, measures are progressively adjusted to accomodate the comfort and positioning needs of the patient.

In the postpartum period, specialized massage techniques can help to rebalance the structure of a woman's body by improving skin elasticity and muscle tone. Massage also has a physiological effect on a new mother – it can help to ease any postpartum depression and encourage bonding with the new baby.

If you fall in the post-natal category, The Fix would like to congratulate you on the arrival of your newborn!

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remedial exercise
Physical activity implemented as a treatment for illness or injury is termed Remedial Exercise. Exercise is only one of the prescriptions available to treat various physical conditions. This is the homework after the appointment (and we will know if you are complying or not). But this isn't boot camp... Finding an exercise regimen that is fun and relative to the patient is the key. Swimming, pilates, walking, or pumping iron – whatever is suitable! – it must be motivating. Insert strength, stretch, and cardio here!

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sports massage
One way to encourage muscle repair during and after training is with Sports Massage. Sports Massage will help release any built up tension and lactic acid in the overworked muscles so that blood and oxygen can return to the muscle and effectively promote muscle repair. This treatment, if received as part of a sports program, can help the athlete prevent injury due to overuse and it can also be beneficial in the following ways:

Pre-Event Massage can help athletes prepare for a competitive event. It is usually brief and stimulating, with the focus on muscle groups and joints relating to the activity. For example, a marathon runners legs wll be emphasized. As the event nears, deeper massage pressure is avoided. Swedish Massage techniques such as Tapotement and Shakings are frequently used pre-event.

Post-Event Massage eases muscle pain by decreasing tension and inflammation, encourages the return of blood and oxygen to tense areas, and flushes out metabolic waste products that have built up during the strenuous activity. Again, deeper techniques are avoided within 24 to 48 hours post-event dependant on intensity of exercise and patient tolerance. Effleurage and Petrissage techniques are often combined during a post-event massage. Patients are also educated on how to minimize their discomfort with take-home instructions pertaining to their condition(s).

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swedish massage
Swedish Massage employs a series of long, gliding strokes, kneading of the muscles, and vibrational taps that are so common when one thinks of massage. Five basic strokes gliding, kneading, vibrations, friction and hacking are all applied in the direction of the heart in order to encourage blood circulation and the disposal of bodily waste. Therapists use massage oils to achieve these smooth, long and deep strokes to reduce friction. Swedish Massage principles and techniques are predominantly taught in the top Massage Therapy Colleges.

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therapeutic ultrasound
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment using ultrasound equipment that can be administered directly to the affected area, penetrating deeply into the tissue. The rise in temperature increases blood flow, relaxes muscle spasms, helps repair damaged tissue, and speeds healing dramatically.

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trigger point therapy
A trigger point is a hyper-irritable spot usually within a taut band of skeletal muscle or its fascia that is painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, tenderness, and autonomic phenomena – they reduce full range of motion by preventing full lengthening of the muscle. Trigger Point Therapy releases these spots by using repetitive muscle stripping, ischemic compression, and the cold distraction technique "spray and stretch."

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