This fact sheet provides general information about massage for people with osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain. It includes guidelines to find a qualified  massage therapist and general safety tips. It also tells you where to find durther information and advice. 

What is massage?

Massage involves the manipulation of tissues, using pressure, tension, motion or vibration. It targets the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage can be done manually, using hands, fingers, elbows, or with mechanical aids.

What are the benefits of massage?

In general, massage can help:

• lower stress hormones and depression

• ease muscle tension

• improve blood flow and reduce swelling

• increase the body’s production of natural pain-killing endorphins, and

• improve sleep and immune function.

Importantly, there have been limited scientific studies on the benefits of massage specifically for osteoarthritis.^1,2 These studies show, that:

• Massage may have short term pain-relieving benefits for people with osteoarthritis- related pain.¹

   

•  Massage may also help to temporarily improve the mobility of joints and muscles affected by osteoarthritis. 

   

  However, massage will not reduce inflammation or joint damage from arthritis.

Are there different types of massage?

Massage therapy generally falls into two categories:

• relaxation – typically, this type of massage focuses on stress release and lowering muscle tension

   

• remedial or therapeutic massage – this type of massage aims to address injuries and chronic (long-term) muscular pain, such as that caused by osteoarthritis. Remedial treatments target specific problem areas. They are more likely to be beneficial in temporarily relieving the symptoms of arthritis, such as pain.

Are there any risks or precautions?

Always talk to your rheumatologist or doctor about any new treatments you are thinking of trying.  They will tell you  any specific things you should avoid. People with osteoarthritis are likely to have joint and soft tissue pain and damage. So, it is important to check the qualifications and experience of the therapist providing the massage. Massage therapy may not be appropriate when joints are acutely inflamed; check with your rheumatologist or doctor.

Choosing a qualified massage therapist

Massage therapists may have different levels of training depending on the type of massage they practice. Check that they are a member of the Australia Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT) or equivalent organisation. This means your therapist has formal, accredited qualifications and adheres to a code of ethics,  When choosing a massage therapist, check that they are also experienced with working with arthritis.

There are two main types of massage therapists in Australia: 

• massage therapists

   

• remedial massage therapists. Remedial massage therapists hold additional educational qualifications. 

  They may provide health fund rebates from private health funds (although a qualified massage therapist may also be able to provide some health fund rebates).

   

Working with your massage therapist 

Make sure to discuss your needs with the therapist and ask them what treatment is best suited to your condition. Massage therapy should be conducted in a secure and private area where you can undress and dress in private. The therapist should not be present when you are dressing. You will be asked to lie on the table and cover yourself with a towel or cover. It is normal practice for undergarments to be worn. During the massage, towels or coverings should be used to cover any part of the body not directly receiving treatment. If you are uncomfortable or unsure at any stage of the massage, be sure to tell the therapist. You have the right to ask the therapist to stop any treatment immediately and decide whether you want to continue with the massage.

Remember, if you feel any discomfort during your treatment, let your massage therapist know. Your massage therapist should also inform you of any affects you might notice following the treatment. This may include mild pain, headache or bruising and can be a normal post-treatment outcome.

What you need to tell your massage therapist before your treatment

It is important that your massage therapist is aware of your condition. There are many forms of arthritis, and each have their own treatment needs and precautions. You should advise them of your medical treatments and other medical conditions. In follow-up consultations, make sure to update your therapist about the effects of the previous treatment and of any changes to your condition.

Does my health fund cover massage therapy?

Many health funds provide rebates for remedial massage therapy treatments in Australia if performed by members of the AAMT or equivalent organisation. To ensure you are covered, contact your health fund and check with your therapist when making your appointment.

Your healthcare team can give you more advice and information about whether any of these or other treatments might be useful for you.

Other resources

State and Territory Arthritis Offices 

Your local Arthritis Office can provide further information to assist you and will have a range of education and support activities. Click here to find your local office.

For further information call the national Arthritis Australia Infoline on 1800 011 41.

Find a massage therapist

To find a qualified AAMT registered massage therapist in your area visit www.aamt.com.au or call 1300 138 872. 

References

1.         Pang T, Liu C, Li J, et al. Effectiveness and safety of aromatherapy massage for knee osteoarthritis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022;101(11).

2.         Gibbs AJ, Gray B, Wallis JA, et al. Recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. Osteoarthritis and cartilage. 2023;31(10):1280-1292.