One common condition that’s treatable by orthopedic surgery is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or rupture in the leg. ACL injuries are common among athletes and active individuals. The typical treatment for an ACL injury is a surgical procedure to graft the ligament back together. However, ACL surgery can lead to a wide range of complications, including continued knee stiffness or weakness, and reduced range of motion. One alternative to ACL surgery is orthopedic massage. At least one study has shown orthopedic massage therapy to be a viable alternative to ACL surgery for pain relief and mobility restoration.
Orthopedic massage can also be used to treat surgery-induced tissue damage, such as after a knee repair surgery. Research shows that massage can be an effective method to speed recovery and limit pain following surgery.
Other conditions that can be improved by orthopedic massage include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, whiplash, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis.
While the main goal of orthopedic massage is to rehabilitate the affected tissues, the technique can also prevent future injuries.