Investigating the effect of traditional Iranian massage (Kermanshahi style) on the clinical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

Aim: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint degenerative disease in which pathological changes occur not only in the joint cartilage but also in all joint structures. It seems that complementary medicine can help reduce pain and opioid consumption in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Iranian massage on the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial study, 84 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly divided in two groups. The treatment group underwent Mahlouji Kermanshahi massage therapy with chamomile oil for six weeks. Outcome measures were knee pain via visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, and the number of daily doses of acetaminophen consumption. Patients were evaluated after 3 ,6 and then 8 weeks of treatment. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age and body mass index. There was a significant difference between the mean pain score, mean stiffness and mean physical activity at the baseline and the third, sixth and eighth weeks of treatment and control group. There was no significant difference between the mean of physical activity before and after the intervention in the control group. In all weeks, the average acetaminophen consumption was higher in control group than intervention group. Comparison of physical activity and pain showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups in the sixth, and eighth weeks There was no significant difference between the two groups in term of stiffness in all weeks. These results showed the stability of the therapeutic effect (8^th week) in the massage group compared to the control group based on all variables. Conclusion: According to the acquired data, using Mahlouji Kermanshahi massage therapy as a Persian medicine can improve the symptoms of knee OA.