Essential Oils for Knee Pain
Essential Oil Massage for Knee Pain
Many studies have been done to show how essential oil knee massages can help knee pain. 4 studies are shown below.
Study #1:
59 seniors from a community center in Hong Kong were given 6 knee massage sessions with ginger and orange essential oils for 3 weeks. The placebo control group received the same massage intervention with olive oil only and the control group received no massage.
Results: Knee pain and stiffness were considerably less in the short term (compared to the placebo group and control group) but after 4 weeks, the pain relief did not last. So, for the short term, the ginger and orange essential oils did help considerably.
Study #2:
A 2016 study, studied 90 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. They were randomly assigned to three groups: intervention (aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil), placebo (massage with almond oil) and control (without massage).
Results: Right away, after the massages were done, pain relief was immediate with the lavender essential oil massages compared to those who had an almond oil massage and those that had no massages at all. The pain relief continued for a week. After testing 4 weeks later, the pain was back so the conclusion was for the short term, the lavender essential oil massage helped.
Study #3:
This 2016 study included 95 patients with osteoarthritis who were referred to the outpatient clinics of the Department of Orthopedics, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Bozok University Research and Application Hospital. 33 people received an aromatherapy massage, 30 received conventional massages and 32 were put into the control group.
Results: Lavender essential oil massages helped relieve knee pain.
Study #4:
This study included 60 adult patients who had osteoarthritis who were admitted to the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation unit at Cairo University Hospital in Egypt. They were given lavender essential oil massages.
Results: Lavender essential oil massages helped relieve knee pain, morning stiffness and helped with general physical functioning.
How to Perform a Knee Massage with Essential Oils
What You’ll Need:
Essential oil (Lavender, for example)
A carrier oil (e.g., coconut, jojoba, or almond oil)
A towel or cloth
Optional: A warm compress for added relaxation
Step-by-Step Instructions for Knee Massage
1. Prepare the Oil
Mix 2-3 drops of essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, Lavender oil should always be diluted before applying it to the skin to avoid irritation.
2. Warm the Oil
Rub the oil mixture between your palms to gently warm it. This enhances absorption and feels more soothing on the skin.
3. Position the Knee
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position with the knee slightly bent and supported.
4. Start the Massage
a. Effleurage (Light Strokes)
Begin with gentle, upward strokes around the knee to warm up the area and improve circulation.
Use both hands to glide from just below the knee to above it in a circular motion for about 1-2 minutes.
b. Circular Massage Around the Kneecap
With your fingers, make small, gentle circles around the kneecap (patella).
Apply light pressure, avoiding pressing directly on the kneecap.
c. Kneading the Surrounding Muscles
Use your thumbs to knead the muscles above and below the knee, such as the quadriceps and calves.
This helps to relieve tension and improve flexibility.
d. Focused Massage on Pain Points
If there are specific areas of discomfort, use your fingertips to apply gentle, circular pressure.
Avoid pressing too hard on sensitive or inflamed areas.
5. Finishing Strokes
Return to light, sweeping strokes to finish the massage. This helps to relax the area and distribute the oil evenly.
Note: Always speak to your doctor before using essential oils.
References:
Experimental study on the Effectivness of Massage for Knee Pain in the Elderly https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229908000034
Effect of Aromatherapy Massage with Lavender Essential Oil on Knee Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388116300597?via%3Dihub
The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Knee Pain in Participants with Osteoarthritis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1524904216302284
Effect of Lavender Oil Massage on Pain among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijphrd/article/view/193834