The effect of mechanical massage on early outcome after total knee arthroplasty: a pilot study

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mechanical massage via Endermologie® after total knee arthroplasty in reducing edema and pain and improving knee range of motion, in the early postoperative period. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen patients with knee edema following total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=8) or the control group (n=10). The intervention group received mechanical massage therapy using Endermologie® and the control group received conventional physical therapy for 20 minutes a day, 5 times a week from the seventh day postsurgery. Clinical assessments included active knee flexion and extension range of motion, knee pain using a numeric rating scale, the operated limb circumference, the soft tissue cross-sectional area using ultrasonography, the extracelluar fluid volume, and single frequency bioimpedance analysis at 5 kHz using bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy. [Results] Both groups showed significant reduction in edema and pain, and improvement in active knee flexion at the end of treatment. There were no significant inter-group differences before or after treatment. [Conclusion] Mechanical massage could be an alternative way of managing knee edema after total knee arthroplasty in early postoperative recovery.

Effects of an Early Exercise Program with Cryotherapy on Range of Motion, Pain, Swelling, and Gait in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…However, it is well known that the pain experienced by patients after TKA can be so severe that they are unable to concentrate during exercise, and muscle weakness secondary to pain is a barrier to early rehabilitation [ 14 ]. Physical therapists should implement interventions to help patients with early post-arthroplasty pain and improve their physical function, such as strength and range of motion, which can lead to long-term benefits for future patients, such as improved gait speed [ 15 ].…”

Traditional Chinese Acupressure Massage of the Quadriceps Femoris Can Relieve Flexion Pain after Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

“…There are still many patients with early postoperative flexion pain that causes joint stiffness. Kim et al once used the French endermologie method to massage the quadriceps of patients after knee replacement and found that can relieve pain [ 10 ]. Self-massage by patients also can improve the range of flexion motion of the knee joint [ 11 ].…”

The effect of a scalp massage on stress hormone, blood pressure, and heart rate of healthy female

“…Massage on the neck muscles extends the range of cervical spine rotation7 ) and improves neck flexor muscles8 ) . In addition, massage after total knee arthroplasty decreases pain and increases the diarthrodial range9 ) . In the current study, 10 to 20 minutes were determined to be appropriate for a scalp massage6 ) .…”