Exploring Massage Benefits for Arthritis of the Knee

A dual-site, randomized, dose-ranging trial to determine the role and practice parameters for massage in the standard clinical management of OA based on investigation of efficacy and mechanism of action. The study hypothesis is that an 8 week course of Swedish massage therapy will be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with confirmed OA of the knee. A future phase III trial is planned to test the optimal massage intervention identified in this study against a validated sham/control intervention, incorporating all pertinent outcome measures from the antecedent studies. In addition, this study will further the development of robust methodologies to test the efficacy of massage interventions in general. The research agenda advanced by the current study will culminate with the establishment of the proper place for massage therapy among standard treatment options for the millions of Americans suffering with osteoarthritis.