Others have noted a reduction in knee pain
following massage, but by self-report (WOMAC), not direct observation of ROM-related pain [3,4]. In one of the few studies on
massage for knee pain, for example, pain and stiffness were
reduced and functionality was increased [3]. However, no ROM
changes were noted. This could possibly relate to this being a selfmassage
study and the participants did not apply adequate pressure.
As has been noted in our previous studies, moderate pressure
is essential for positive effects [5]. In our self-massage studies, the
positive effects may have related to the application of moderate
pressure and/or the combination of therapist (once a week) and
participant (once a day) massages.