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.
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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
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