Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, experiencing pain from arthritis, or managing another health condition, knee pain can be frustrating to handle. As the largest joint in your body, your knees are responsible for many day-to-day functions, and when they’re stiff, painful, or inflamed, it can have unwanted effects on your life.
Regardless of the source of your knee pain, massage therapy can help relieve knee pain and speed up the healing process. From myofascial release to red light therapy, there are various modalities and techniques that can help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.
Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can result from a variety of medical conditions and injuries. One common cause of knee pain is arthritis; there are many types of arthritis, but the ones most likely to cause pain here include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
An injury to the knee may also be a source of pain. ACL injuries, torn menisci, fractures, dislocated kneecaps, and tendonitis are among the most common injuries causing knee pain.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of knee pain. If you play a sport that has a heavy impact on the knees, like skiing, you’ll be more likely to experience injuries or general wear and tear. Additionally, previous injuries may increase your risk of being injured again. Excess weight and a lack of muscle strength can also cause injuries or pain.
Red Light Therapy
Urban Massage & Wellness offers red light therapy to target concerns like muscle pain, joint tension, and inflammation. The potential benefits of red light are extensive, and it serves as an excellent addition to massage therapy or on its own.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy is a type of photodynamic therapy that provides your cells with an energy boost that promotes healing. Using low levels of red light and NIR wavelengths, red light therapy targets areas of concern to relax and rejuvenate your body in a non-invasive, painless manner.
At Urban Massage & Wellness, we use a red light therapy device with a hyper plasma arc lamp. This lamp, unlike LED lights, passes the desired levels of red and near-infrared light so your skin won’t be irritated.
What Will Your Appointment Look Like?
When your appointment begins, you will be placed under our RX2 machine. Hyper plasma light will be administered to the area of concern for 10–20 minutes, allowing it to penetrate the skin and stimulate the cells. During this process, you’ll get to lay back and relax without experiencing any pain or discomfort from the light.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release targets the myofascial tissues, a network of tissues that interconnects all systems of the body. These tissues can become painful when they are tense or contracted for too long, something that can result from injuries, repetitive movements, and trauma to the area.
During myofascial release, your practitioner will apply gentle techniques targeting the myofascial tissue to locate tense areas. Then, they will apply sustained, light pressure to these tense areas to allow the tension to release. When done properly, this is a slow process. Fascia will not release if it is forced or rushed.
Myofascial Cupping
Myofascial cupping focuses on releasing tense myofascial tissue by suctioning the tissue instead of pressing into the body. This technique is based on the ancient practice of cupping, designed to ease pain and encourage healing.
During your myofascial cupping session, cups will be placed on your body, and the air will be removed from them, causing them to suction against your skin. This helps the soft tissues separate and relax, improving the rate at which you can heal from injuries and pain.
Sports Massage
If your knee pain is the result of a sports injury, you may benefit from a sports massage. These massages are individualized to suit your unique needs. In addition to a massage, your session may also involve stretching, resistance training, or mobilization activities.
Sports massages can be highly beneficial for athletes experiencing knee pain. Whether you play pickleball in your spare time or ski professionally, a sports massage is an excellent way to promote recovery, relieve pain and stiffness, and speed up the healing process. A sports massage can also prevent similar injuries from occurring in the future!
Home Remedies for Knee Pain
Massage therapy and red light therapy are beneficial on their own, but are most effective when done in tandem with home remedies. These remedies are intended to promote healing and alleviate pain and stiffness in the knee.
Rest
If your knee pain is the result of an injury like a sprain, rest is an effective way to alleviate pain and promote healing.
This remedy is exactly what it sounds like—take time to rest, elevate your foot with pillows and enjoy a good book or your favorite show. Give the body the time it needs to repair and recover.
Low-Impact Exercise
It may sound counter-intuitive, but some exercise can actually promote recovery. Remaining sedentary with a knee injury will increase pain and stiffness and slow the healing process.
Instead, try some low-impact exercises to keep your body moving and maintain your muscle strength. Good low-impact exercise options include light yoga, walking, and swimming. And be sure to rest afterwards.
Heat & Cold Therapy
Applying heat and cold to your knee can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Try applying heat to the area for twenty minutes, then switching to a cold compress. A warm bath in the morning can also relieve stiffness in the joint.
Preventing Knee Pain
As with many facets of life, prevention is the best policy. Keeping active will keep the muscles strong and flexible, preventing injuries. If you play a sport that impacts the knees, be sure you’re wearing proper footwear and stretching regularly. Losing weight can also lessen the impact on your knees, relieving pain from arthritis.
Knee Pain Massages in St. Albert
If you’re experiencing knee pain, our practitioners are here to help you find the relief you need. Book an appointment at our St. Albert clinic today to get started on your recovery journey.
