Massage therapy in the relief of knee osteoarthritis symptoms in the elderly: a systematic review

Aims: Research has shown that most of the elderly suffer from knee osteoarthritis. Massage therapy is one of the non-pharmacological methods that according to studies can be used to relieve the symptoms caused by knee osteoarthritis in the elderly. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of reaching a comprehensive view on massage therapy in relieving the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in the elderly. Methods: The present study was conducted using a systematic review method. Searching Persian information sources, Magiran, SID, IranMedex and English Science Direct, Ovid, Web Of Sciences, Scopus, Pubmed with keywords knee osteoarthritis, massage therapy, pain, range of motion and The elderly alone and in combination were conducted from 2008-2022. Finally, 11 articles were reviewed. Result: Out of 12 selected articles, one Persian article and 11 English articles were clinical trials. In the studies, different types of massage were used for different periods of time. Most of the studies showed the effect of massage in reducing pain, stiffness of the joint caused by knee osteoarthritis and the physical function of the knee at least 4 weeks after stopping the massage. But after the specified period, this effect was reduced. In one study, the results showed that massage therapy had a positive effect on the range of motion of the knee, and two studies indicated that massage had no effect on the range of motion of the knee Conclusion: Although most of the studies indicated the positive effect of massage types (Chinese massage, self-massage, Chinese Thai massage, aromatherapy massage, efflorescence massage, hydromassage, Thai massage) on pain relief, stiffness of the knee joint and functional problems of the elderly with knee osteoarthritis. But due to the contradictory results, more studies in this field with a longer duration of massage and follow-up are suggested.