Knee massage – how to do it properly?

Knee pain is a very common condition that affects athletes, manual workers, and office workers alike. The most common remedy for knee pain is warming ointments, but a knee massage performed by a specialist will provide a much better and longer-lasting effect.

When is a knee massage most often performed?

Knee pain is most often characterized by severe intensity and effectively prevents movement and causes discomfort. What are the most common causes of knee pain?

• Micro-injuries,
• Degenerative process,
• Inflammation of tissues,
• Overloading the knees,
• Hard physical work,
• Rheumatoid diseases,
• Playing sports,
• Fractures and dislocations,
• Torn ligaments.

However, before making an appointment for a knee massage, it is worth knowing the cause of the pain and choosing the appropriate treatment.

What does a knee massage look like?

Knee joint massage is performed in a lying position, with a roller placed under the knee joint. Knee massage for knee pain is performed with both hands – applying olive oil to them and stroking, rubbing, pressing, and tapping. Knee massage consists of several stages:

• Stroking – Place your hands on the terminal patellar tendon. Then, move straight up to the knee, then sideways, lateral and medial, towards the popliteal fossa. Return to the sides of the patella and move upward, around the patella, towards the thigh. Repeat this movement six times.
• Rubbing – using circular movements of the fingers of both hands, move from the tibial tuberosity (behind the knee) towards the kneecap, then laterally to the popliteal fossa, and then back to the sides of the kneecap towards the thigh muscles. Repeat this stage of the knee massage six times.
• Kneading – Perform kneading with the fingers of both hands in the same direction as the rubbing. Starting from the terminal patellar ligaments and ending just above the kneecap. Repeat this process six times.
• Tapping – Using both hands, apply a light tap with the tips of the index, middle, and ring fingers, moving from the shinbone to the kneecap, then laterally to the popliteal fossa. Then return to the sides of the kneecap and up toward the thigh, repeating six times.

Knee massage – indications

What are the indications for knee massage?

• Conditions after joint injuries,
• Scars around the joint,
• Joint overload,
• Weakening of muscle strength,
• Limited knee mobility,
• Degenerative-proliferative changes in the joint,
• Condition after prolonged immobilization of the knee,
• Swelling around the knee.

Knee massage after arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure for the knee joint. Appropriate rehabilitation is essential after the procedure to restore full joint mobility and alleviate pain. In addition to physical therapy, post-arthroscopic massage is also exceptionally effective.

Knee massage after injury

The knee joint connects the thigh and lower leg and is crucial to the musculoskeletal system. It is the largest joint in the human body, performing simultaneous flexion, extension, and rotation. A knee injury can have a wide range of consequences, from muscle weakness to limited mobility. Therefore, knee massage after an injury is a very important element of rehabilitation, which will help in faster recovery and reduce pain and swelling.

Massage for knee joint degeneration

The first sign of changes in the knee joint is pain, so if you feel discomfort when walking or sitting, you should see a specialist. Thanks to massage for knee joint degeneration, you can restore the elasticity of the ligaments and reduce bone growths.

Massage after knee replacement

An endoprosthesis is a device that replaces natural tissue. It is implanted into the knee of people whose knees are in very poor condition. Rehabilitation after knee replacement is essential for returning to full function. Massage after knee replacement helps reduce pain and speed up recovery.

See also: The impact of sports massage on the body