CONCLUSION
While this is the first evidence-based research on self-massage therapy for knee OA, there appears to be a relationship between self-massage interventions on the quadriceps muscle performed twice a week over 12 weeks and the statistically significant improvement in the condition in the intervention group over baseline. This study contributes to the emerging evidence-based massage research into self-massage. This category of massage is patient-centered, benefiting patients who are seeking active solutions for chronic symptoms related to knee OA.
Our research study provides a contribution which may have important implications for future research, particularly in terms of managing knee pain, stiffness, and physical function in knee OA.
Future research with a larger cohort is needed to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of self-massage in the general population. The results here also suggest the need for further studies which might look at the value of the intervention over a longer period of time to determine whether there are any lasting benefits and whether continuing the intervention affects long-term outcomes. Finally, long-term follow-up studies of self-massage for knee OA to assess adherence, use of medication, and disease progression are also warranted.