Effects of Massage and Physiotherapy on Pain and Oedema after Meniscus Surgery

Abstract

Background. Despite growing concerns about what best rehabilitation protocol would be appropriate given the nature of meniscus surgery, reducing pain and oedema are key challenges in the first period of rehabilitation after meniscus surgery. The theory suggests that delaying the removal of pain and oedema can lead to increased secondary injuries and a longer recovery from surgery. Massage as one of the safest and non-pharmacological tools is often used to reduce pain and The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of massage on the pain and oedema in combination with physiotherapy sessions in patients after knee meniscus Methods. This study included 14 persons after meniscus surgery randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group underwent physiotherapy exercise and classical therapeutic massage, the control group underwent physiotherapy. The intensity of pain (VAS scale), fear of movement or re-injury (Tampa kinesiophobia scale) and both knee volumes were measured before and after the Results. After rehabilitation, knee pain, oedema, and fear of movement or repetitive trauma were significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.05). Patients undergoing massage and physiotherapy had a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity, oedema, and fear of movement or re-injury compared to patients undergoing physiotherapy alone (p < Conclusion. Massage combined with physiotherapy sessions was more effective in reducing pain, oedema, and fear of movement or repetitive trauma in individuals after meniscus surgery than physiotherapy sessions alone.

Keywords: meniscus surgery, pain, oedema, massage.