Knee massager for arthritis

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Massage for osteoarthritis

Massages for osteoarthritis are an essential part of the treatment. Manual treatment of the affected joint area relieves pain, improves the effectiveness of drug therapy and reduces the risk of recurrence of the chronic disease. For more information about massage techniques, their benefits, contraindications and principles, see this article.

Unless there are specific contraindications, therapeutic massage is essential. Manual therapy is recommended for osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, ankle, elbow, shoulder, wrist, and fingertips. The treatments are completely harmless and can be carried out at any stage of the disease, except for acute inflammation.

This type of therapy complements other methods – medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors), physiotherapy and physical therapy. Massage enhances the effectiveness of medications and physical therapy by promoting blood and lymph flow. The treatment plan should be drawn up separately for each patient, selecting massage techniques taking into account the severity of the pathology, indications and individual body characteristics.

Benefits of massage for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis – a progressive joint disease characterized by inflammation, deformation and gradual tissue destruction. In the early stages, the symptoms are periodic pain and swelling, while in the later stages the pain is constant, joint mobility is limited, and the muscles and periarticular ligaments become dysfunctional.

The massages recommended for arthritis of the hands and feet have the following effects:

• Normalization of muscle tension in the affected joint area through relaxation and stretching exercises;
• reduction in pain sensations;
• Elimination of thickenings in the periarticular area;
• Restoration of the joint's natural mobility;
• Stimulating blood and lymph circulation (eliminating swelling);
• Acceleration of metabolic processes in the tissues and the resulting removal of toxins from the tissues;
• Strengthening the regeneration processes in the joint.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive disease, so complete cure is impossible. Massage courses in combination with other therapies allow for relief of symptoms during exacerbations as well as longer periods of remission.

Physical therapy for the knee joint

• Irradiation with medium-wave UV rays. Erythema develops at the irradiation site. This method lowers the sensitivity threshold in the irradiated area, which affects the pain center in the brain. Ultraviolet irradiations in the medium wave range are carried out daily or every other day.
• Infrared laser therapy. This method reduces sensitivity, improves nutrition and circulation, and relieves stress. The sessions are conducted daily.
• Low-intensity UHF therapy that relieves pain and prevents the process from spreading to neighboring tissues. It improves joint nutrition, regenerates tissue and reduces swelling.
• High-intensity centimeter wave therapy. This method helps restore blood circulation and improves the nutrition of cartilage tissue.
• Ultrasound therapy. Has an anti-inflammatory effect, improves trophism and has an excellent regenerative effect.
• Magnetic therapy. Reduces swelling, activates the regenerative ability of cartilage, normalizes trophism.

To make it easier for the patient, physiotherapy is usually carried out during an inpatient stay.

Indications and contraindications for physical therapy of the knee joint

The indication for physiotherapy is osteoarthritis of the knee grades 1, 2 and 3 outside the acute phase, as treatment in the acute phase can lead to accumulation of pus or fluid.

Physiotherapy for arthrosis of the knee joint is contraindicated in:

• cancer of any localization;
• Active phase of tuberculosis infection;
• presence of epilepsy;
• Stage III hypertension;
• end stages of heart, liver and kidney failure;
• hyperthermia;
• anorexia, etc.

In all cases, the patient should be examined for any contraindications prior to treatment.

Orion 5 laser treatment

The Orion 5 is another device that can be used to treat musculoskeletal disorders. It is based on laser beams that increase blood flow to the affected joint. The result is a significant improvement in the penetration of the active pharmaceutical ingredients into the affected tissue. This, in turn, stimulates the outflow of toxic substances from the affected area. The swelling caused by the laser radiation also decreases.

Laser irradiation also helps relieve pain and improves blood flow to the affected joint. The rays penetrate unhindered to a depth of 13 cm. Ultimately, the radiation has a positive effect not only on the problem areas of the limbs, but on the entire body.

The effectiveness of infrared LEDs is not as high compared to magnetic or laser radiation. But it also has a positive effect on the patient's autonomic nervous system. The LEDs also warm painful joints and accelerate skin regeneration.

Using the multifunction device

All three modes can be activated individually or in combination. In this case, combination therapy makes it possible to achieve the desired results in a short time. This multifunctional device can be used lying or standing to treat joints at home. Before treatment, check that the device is working properly:

When the device is fully functional, therapy can begin. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the body. It is therefore advisable to consult your doctor who will recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

It is important to use the device correctly and make sure it is turned off after treatment. If the device is not used correctly, you should not be surprised if the treatment does not work. This is the case at best, but sometimes unpleasant side effects can occur: headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness throughout the body.

This applies to all common joint treatment devices. It is therefore important to read the instructions for use before using a device. It also doesn't hurt to consult a doctor.

Why is massage recommended for arthritis? What are the advantages?

Therapeutic massage for gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and arthrosis of other large joints has many functions. It is used to relieve nerve and muscle spasms, as the pain is often caused by entrapment. Regular massage movements strengthen the muscles around the injured joints and make them more flexible. Kneading stimulates blood circulation - the cartilage tissue is supplied with oxygen and nutrients and can regenerate better. The effect of chondroprotectors and other medications is enhanced.

This depends on the region and the treatment technique. The duration of the session can range from a few minutes to two hours. During this time, the massage therapist uses techniques such as rubbing, kneading, stroking, vibration, etc. If there is no pain or discomfort, treatment can take a very long time. The most important thing is to achieve a relaxing effect, because the main goal of massage is to relieve pain.

Massage can be used to temporarily relieve pain in the knee joint. A specialist will show you how to do this:

Is there a therapeutic massage for children?

Massage for children generally has a different purpose than for an adult with osteoarthritis. This pathology is not common in children. Therefore, massage is recommended to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, increase muscle tone and improve blood circulation. Only gentle techniques such as stroking, rubbing, kneading, etc. are used on children.

In case of pathology, the doctor prescribes a special massage for children, including for the treatment of arthritis in children. Massage is much more commonly used in children in infancy, umbilical hernias, colic, muscular hypotrophy and other anomalies. To prevent recurrence, corrective massage is recommended. To strengthen the child's health and improve his immunity, preventive massage is recommended.

In children, massage is more preventive than curative.

How to perform a preventive hand massage

With simple movements you can relieve tension and muscle spasms in your hands. Massage is necessary to improve blood circulation and normalize joint metabolism.

• First, warm up your hands by rubbing them together.
• Rub the thumb and index finger of one hand alternately against each finger of the other hand: from the base to the nail and back again.
• Wrap your hand around the finger and make twists as if you were sharpening a pencil.
• Bend and unbend the fingers at a rapid pace without making a fist - 15-20 times.

The finger massage only takes a few minutes.

What should you do if you notice the first signs of arthritis?

If you have 'knots' on your fingers, it means that the disease has been developing for some time. It is good to recognize them at a much earlier stage, namely at the first excruciating pain. Pain that worsens at night and small swelling, even if it does not limit movement in the joint, should not be underestimated.

In the early stages of osteoarthritis, it is recommended to take protective medications – chondroprotectors. Chondroitin and glucosamine in their composition improve the regeneration of cartilage cells, increase the content of hyaluronic acid and make cartilage stronger and more elastic. These drugs are effective only in the initial stages, but are later prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment.

Paraffin therapy can improve blood circulation and stimulate metabolism. Cosmetic paraffin warms problem areas. If you already have problems with your hand, you should make sure that it gets enough physical activity. When you are inactive, cartilage breaks down more quickly. This can be done by squeezing and peeling with a rubber ball or stretch band, or by shaping with clay or playdough.

Half an hour of kneading a day can strengthen your hand muscles!

Additional therapies

Massage alone should not be enough to treat coxarthrosis. Otherwise, the disease progresses rapidly and over time leads to complete destruction of the joint. Medication and non-pharmacological measures are also used.

• using orthoses or a cane to relieve pressure on the limbs;
• reduction in body weight;
• Avoid fixed positions that cause blood congestion in the hip joint;
• Maintaining an active lifestyle.

To maintain the function of the limbs and relieve pain, special exercises are used to strengthen muscles and prevent atrophy, as well as physiotherapy and reflexology. Pharmacological treatment is also used. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain. Chondroprotectors, which slow down the destruction of cartilage, can be used. Intra-articular medications are also used.

Massage after arthroplasty

Although massage is effective for grade 2 hip osteoarthritis, surgical treatment may be necessary if the condition progresses. The affected person can no longer walk properly, suffers from constant pain and is forced to take painkillers. The only method that can radically improve the quality of life is arthroplasty.

Different types of massage are used during the rehabilitation period. Its goal is not only to normalize muscle tone and prevent atrophy, but also to improve lymphatic drainage and prevent postoperative lymphostasis. It is important to prevent the development of muscle contractures. The massage is sometimes started as early as 2-3 days after the endoprosthesis. If it causes pain, treatment is carried out for the first time at the end of the first week.

The importance of massage in the different stages of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis progresses gradually from one stage to the next. The process can be faster or slower, but almost always continues over time. For various reasons, osteoarthritis is accompanied by degenerative processes in the joint tissues. The damage can be caused by external factors, but more often genetic factors, excessive stress on the joints, weak muscles and incorrect alignment of the spine and feet when walking play an important role. Osteoarthritis can also occur in connection with an inactive lifestyle, obesity or sudden weight gain. By analyzing the specific causes that affect the rate of destruction of joint tissue, it is possible to determine the main goals of massage in this disease. It can be said right away that drugs that rebuild joint tissue are rarely effective enough to replenish natural bone cells. In adulthood, there are no longer any stem cells in the hard structures that were produced less and less every year in childhood. Since the joints are poorly nourished, nutritional supplements (joint rehabilitation preparations) are of little use. In this case, the real salvation is massage, which improves the body's natural processes, strengthens the muscle cortex and improves blood circulation. Osteoarthritis is divided into different stages, which differ in the duration of the disease:

• Early. Motor skills are slightly restricted. Metabolic processes are impaired and there is a slight hypotrophy of muscle tissue. Massage helps to rebuild the muscles, strengthen them and increase their mobility to prevent subsequent joint destruction and the onset of the next stage of the disease.
• Maturation. It creaks and hurts when walking, and the range of motion decreases. At this stage, massage can still help by eliminating the pain and strengthening the muscles. The latter contributes to the restoration of motor activity.
• Chronic stage. The joints are already visibly deformed. Even in a passive state (e.g. lying in bed), the joints still hurt.

Effectiveness of massage for osteoarthritis

Knee massage for osteoarthritis is particularly effective for inflammation. After the first session, the inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues decreases and mobility returns to a normal level.

The number and duration of treatments are determined by the doctor based on the patient's current condition, symptoms of the disease and the results of the diagnostics carried out. X-rays of the joints may be taken beforehand to determine the extent of damage to the problematic joint.

The effectiveness of joint massage for arthrosis is expressed in the following dynamics

• Improved blood circulation (blood circulation increases, nutrition of muscle tissue improves - so the joints receive more of the substances necessary for their health);
• reducing pain;
• strengthening of muscles;
• relieving inflammation;
• restoration of motor activity;
• Activation of synovial fluid production.

If the rheumatologist is conducting drug therapy, massage can increase the effectiveness of the medication by better transporting the active ingredients into the muscle and joint tissue.

Massage for joint arthrosis does not contribute to the reconstruction of cartilage tissue, but promotes rapid rehabilitation after inflammation arising from the destruction of solid tissue, reducing pain and restoring motor activity. This effect is achieved at any stage of the disease, and its severity depends on the current health status of the joints.

Massage for knee arthrosis has the great advantage that there are practically no contraindications. The most important factors are the absence of damage to the problem skin area, dermatological diseases and the patient's health status (in case of acute respiratory infections, flu or infectious processes, it is better to postpone the session).

Massage after endoprostheses

At a certain stage of the disease, an endoprosthesis may be necessary. It is most often carried out in old age, after the age of 70. After the operation, a long rehabilitation period is required. It extends over several months. Massages can be used in certain phases of rehabilitation.

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Massages are not performed in the early postoperative period. The reason for this is that there is still a risk of thromboembolic complications for a few days. During a massage treatment, the specialist can displace a blood clot that penetrates the large arteries and causes a circulatory disorder in the affected area of the body. Doctors also give the patient anticoagulant medications after the operation to prevent thromboembolic complications.

Massages are also not used in the early postoperative period, as they can worsen the pain syndrome. Therefore, in the early phase of rehabilitation, doctors usually limit themselves to exercise therapy. Passive movements and isometric contractions of the thigh muscles are carried out. These treatments help improve blood circulation and reduce tissue swelling.

The massage is carried out after the operation in the second phase of rehabilitation. From then on, it can be carried out until the patient has fully recovered. Massage treatments are combined with other rehabilitation methods:

• Compression of the operated limb.
• therapeutic exercises.
• Physiotherapy with preferred use of heat treatments.
• Reflex therapy.

The use of massage helps to avoid muscle contractures. Together with electromyostimulation and physiotherapy, this technique helps to protect muscles from atrophy, strengthen them and improve blood supply to tissues, which is important for their full recovery. With the correct rehabilitation approach, the operated leg can be fully loaded 2-4 months after the operation, depending on the specifics of the leg.

Massage for knee contractures

A contracture is a stiffness. It is usually the result of trauma or surgery. The contracture is also a consequence of prolonged immobilization of the leg.

The problem with this condition is related to anatomical changes in the soft tissue. It leads to scarring. The aim of the massage is to relax the scar, increase its mobility and train the joint.

Antagonistic muscles are massaged. At the same time, muscle stretching exercises are performed. Atrophic processes of muscle tissue are often noted in patients after removing the plaster cast. The more pronounced they are, the gentler the massage should be. The massage mainly focuses on the muscles. Massage techniques such as tapping, rubbing or squeezing are avoided.

The massage promotes blood circulation in the muscles. It has a positive effect on metabolism, normalizes the trophism of muscle tissue and improves joint mobility. However, sometimes massage and exercise do not work and contractures then need to be treated surgically.

Foot massage for osteoarthritis

Massage of the leg joints

Massage can be used as a symptomatic treatment for patients with gonarthrosis. Often, doctors recommend massage for osteophytes of the knee joint, which are caused by degenerative processes in the cartilage.

In the case of primary gonarthrosis, conservative treatment has little effect on the course of the disease. However, it helps to mitigate the course of the disease, reduce pain and improve the functional status of the knee.

Massage for knee pain begins at the hip. This is followed by stroking, rubbing with the heel of the hand and four fingers as well as kneading with both hands. It is important to create hyperthermia that normalizes trophic and metabolic processes. The knee joint itself is then massaged. The specialist performs shallow and peripheral continuous strokes, as well as semicircular rubs in different directions. The most painful areas are rubbed with bundled fingers. The strength of application should be adjusted to the patient's sensations.

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