It is not the joint that is massaged, but the muscles around it.
The joint itself cannot be massaged - the effect is aimed at the quadriceps femoris muscle, hamstring muscles and ligamentous apparatus. It is their condition that determines the stability of the knee and the distribution of the load on the cartilage. With arthrosis, protective muscle tension limits movement and impairs the nutrition of cartilage; massage breaks this circle. After injuries and surgeries, it helps restore muscle tone and prevent contracture. The procedure is not performed for acute inflammation - when the joint is swollen, hot and red, the inflammation must first be relieved.
Why massage is counted by zones
The cost and duration of the session are determined by the area of the treated surface and the number of muscle groups. Working on the collar area takes 15–20 minutes, on the back – twice as long, and a general massage of the whole body – about an hour.
This approach is also convenient clinically: the doctor prescribes an effect specifically on the problem area, and not “massage in general.” For lower back pain, there is no point in paying for arm work, and for tension headaches, the key area will be the neck and shoulder girdle.
How does massage therapy work?
Mechanical action improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in tissues, relieves muscle spasms, reduces pain and increases mobility. For chronic back and neck pain, massage is included in standard treatment regimens along with physical therapy.
The effect is cumulative: after one session, temporary relaxation occurs, a stable result appears by the end of the course of 8–10 procedures.
Contraindications
Massage is not performed in acute inflammatory processes and high temperature, purulent skin diseases, vein thrombosis, bleeding, in the acute period of injury and in case of malignant neoplasms without the consent of the oncologist. For hypertension, pregnancy and after operations, the technique and zones are selected separately.