Knee sprain refers to the soft tissue damage around the knee joint caused by incorrect activities, such as damage to the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, cruciate ligaments, and meniscus. After the injury, the knee joint may experience varying degrees of swelling, pain, and functional impairment. So, can massage be used for knee sprains? What are the massage techniques?
Can massage be used for knee sprains?
Yes.
By massaging specific areas and acupoints, swelling can be reduced, blood absorption can be promoted, thus reducing the hematoma and swelling at the site of the sprain, relieving muscle spasms, and enhancing local blood circulation, which has a significant analgesic effect.
However, it is important to note that in the early stage of the sprain, cold compress should be applied to the affected area first, followed by topical medication, and then supplemented with massage therapy. The commonly used massage methods for knee sprains are as follows.
Acupressure on four acupoints of the knee
The patient lies supine with the affected knee flexed. The masseur uses the thumbs and index fingers to apply acupressure on the Xuehai, Liangqiu, Neikanyan, and Waikanyan acupoints, generally performing each operation for 1 minute on each acupoint.
Tapping the Ashi acupoint
The patient lies supine, and the masseur uses the thumb to locate the tender points (such as tendons or nodules) around the knee joint and gently tap on them for 2-3 minutes, with moderate force.
Acupressure on Yangguan acupoint
The patient lies supine, and the masseur uses the thumb or index finger to apply acupressure on the Yangguan acupoint, using gentle and slow techniques, generally performing for 2-3 minutes.
Massage for different parts of the knee sprain
Massage for lateral knee sprains
The masseur uses one hand's thumb and middle finger to firmly grasp the tibia and fibula near the knee joint, and the other hand to grasp the ankle joint. Then gently twist and flex the knee joint towards the medial side until a slight "click" sound is heard, then stop.
Massage for medial knee sprains
The masseur uses one hand to hold the patient's knee joint in flexion, and the other hand to grasp the ankle joint, gently twist and extend the flexed knee joint towards the lateral side, and then twist and flex it repeatedly.
Massage for posterior knee sprains
The patient lies prone, with the affected knee joint flexed at 90° and the sole of the foot facing up. One hand firmly holds the knee, and the other hand holds the ankle joint. Gently twist the ankle joint to determine the painless direction, then twist and push the heel towards the painless direction while straightening and flexing the knee joint.
