Can a simple massage get knee replacement patients moving faster?

NCT ID NCT02278627

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding manual lymphatic drainage massage to standard physiotherapy helps people recover knee movement faster after knee replacement surgery. Researchers measured joint range, swelling, and pain in 44 patients during their first week in the hospital. The goal was to see if this gentle massage technique could improve recovery without extra drugs or procedures.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

manual lymphatic drainage massage

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help people recover knee movement faster after replacement surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 44 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The massage technique is unproven and may not provide significant benefit over standard physiotherapy alone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University Hospital, Limoges

    Limoges, 87 042, France