The Optimal Solution: Whole-Body Vibration and Massagers for Knee Pain

Our knees are the largest and strongest joints in the body that are possibly used the most. Because of this, they’re able to carry 80% of our body weight and 150% of our body weight when we walk. It’s therefore natural that our knees are subject to a lot of pressure due to walking, jumping, lifting, and movement. Because of this, over 32 million adults in the US suffer from osteoarthritis, especially of the knee.

This involves serious knee pain and can be debilitating. Apart from surgery, medication, and months-long recovery, however, there are other ways to address knee pain and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The answer lies in using a massager for knee pain. But for even greater effect, lower impact on your knees, and more pain relief, there is another way in which you can reduce your knee pain. To discover what this is, keep reading below.

Is it good to massage arthritic knees?

KOA is one of the most common types of arthritis. It is mainly seen in older adults who suffer from damaged joint cartilage as these “shock absorbers” eventually get worn down. Unfortunately, with KOA, you will likely face pain, swelling, and inflammation that can limit your movements and daily activities. But before you opt for medication or surgery, there are some scientific studies that show that there is another way to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritic knees. The answer lies in massage for KOA.

For those who don’t yet know much about it, massage therapy for the knees has been shown to have positive results for pain sufferers. The way in which it works is that through massage, blood is brought to the knee, which initiates the immune response to repair soft tissue. This also helps with circulation. It can also ease joint inflammation and pain and reduce symptoms of painful knees while improving overall function, and joint flexibility, bringing in new joint fluid. Furthermore, massage can help improve the tone and increase the overall flexibility of the muscles that support and stabilize the affected knee.

In addition, massage as a complementary and alternative therapy to medication and surgery is not only widely used for pain alleviation, but it is much safer, lower cost, and easy to access as a means of treatment. Therefore and in short, massage can be an important way to address knee pain as a result of KOA. This has been proven by studies in North Carolina, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. This is in addition to studies carried out in 2006, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020.

And the best part is that massage is generally known to have little if any side effects, making it a promising therapeutic option for those suffering from KOA. Although massage is not meant to replace traditional treatments such as physical therapy, weight loss, and medication, it is still an important way to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Of course, massage isn’t for everyone with KOA and it should be avoided by people suffering from pre-existing high blood pressure, osteoporosis (brittle bones), varicose veins, damaged or eroded joints from arthritis, flare or inflammation, fever, or skin rash, etc.

What devices help with knee pain?

For those that are looking for alternative solutions to massage for knee pain, there are several options you can try. These include:

• Using shoe inserts when you walk to lessen the impact on your joints
• Using custom splints for proper joint positioning either when sleeping or active
• Using a knee brace to manage the discomfort of osteoarthritis by shifting the weight of the most damaged portion of your knee
• Leaning on a cane can transfer more weight off your knee, helping to reduce pain
• Using crutches to let your arms bear the weight when you alk
• Using walkers, reachers, or grab bars once again to shift your weight as you move or position yourself around your home
• There are also massagers for knee pain that can directly target the affected area to help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain

Are massagers good for knee pain?

For those of you who would like to avoid assistive devices and try the benefits of massage for KOA, it may be a good idea to opt for a massager for knee pain. Whether you opt for a massage gun, a heated knee massager, or another type of device to help alleviate your pain and symptoms of KOA, you will be glad to know that massagers for knee pain can be a highly effective solution to intermittent or even chronic KOA issues.

Why is this the case? Because massagers for knee pain directly target the area and are a more natural way to manage aches and pains, tension, stiffness, and swelling, decrease tension in soft tissue, boost circulation and lymph, and more.

In addition, massage can increase serotonin production, providing natural pain relief. It’s also good for fostering deep sleep which can also help with recovery. But perhaps more importantly, they can be a more comfortable and budget-friendly option than seeking the help of a professional masseuse several times per week.

What is the fastest way to relieve knee pain?

Apart from using a massager for knee pain, there are several other quick-fix solutions and prevention methods for addressing knee pain and the symptoms associated with KOA. Some of these include:

• Avoid sitting with your knees bent for longer than 10 minutes
• Avoid sitting cross-legged
• Wear supportive footwear
• Sleep with a pillow between or under your knee
• Drink enough quantities of water
• Try to keep your thigh muscles strong and flexible
• Avoid wearing high heels
• Walk on softer instead of on hard surfaces
• Use ice and heat intermittently (where heat is for chronic pain and ice is for fresh injuries)

Is vibration good for a knee injury?

And as promised above, we will now share with you one of the best, most low-impact ways to address knee pain as a result of KOA. If you are using a massager for knee pain, it’s worth knowing that heat, massage, and whole-body vibration therapy is backed by many studies and are proven to alleviate KOA pain. This refers to situations where the patient is both standing or walking or engaged in dynamic balance. It can also help with gait ability and increased range of motion and mobility.

Furthermore, vibration platforms are capable of improving strength and function, reducing pain level intensity, and improving lower limb functionality for those with knee disorders. In fact, some studies suggest that whole-body vibration should be used as part of KOA rehabilitation programs to improve patients’ daily quality of life. This is done by:

• Stimulating the muscle tissue
• Improving ligament function
• Aiding in optimal blood circulation
• Strengthening joints
• Reducing inflammation
• Decreasing levels of pain

Concluding thoughts

If you are looking for soothing options to alleviate knee pain as a result of KOA, then using a massager for knee pain in conjunction with a vibration plate for whole-body vibration therapy is your best bet for pain relief and symptom alleviation. The benefits of whole-body vibration are scientifically proven to help people with KOA. And when you perform it in the comfort of your own home knowing that it’s an extremely low-impact activity with great results for your joints, you’ll never look back.

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7598848/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-braces/about/pac-20384791#:~:text=A%20knee%20brace%20is%20one,help%20you%20walk%20farther%20comfortably.
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/news/20061211/knee-osteoarthritis-may-be-helped-by-massage
https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-020-03599-2#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20vibration%20platforms,in%20patients%20with%20knee%20disorders.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/research/research-results/massage-may-provide-shortterm-improvement-of-knee-osteoarthritis-symptoms#:~:text=Knee%20Osteoarthritis%20Symptoms-,Massage%20May%20Provide%20Short%2DTerm%20Improvement%20of%20Knee%20Osteoarthritis%20Symptoms,a%20new%20NCCIH%2Dfunded%20study.