Olive Oil Massage - An Alternative Solution to Joint Pain (2024)

Olive Oil Massage

Did you know an olive oil massage can be a natural and effective alternative to prescription medications for treatment of painful joints?

A recent study has shown olive oil massaged into painful fingers and knees can reduce pain as effectively as prescription medical treatments.

During the study, 60 female patients were evaluated following 12 weeks of intervention using olive oil massages, topical NSAID, paraffin oil and routine arthritis medications. Olive oil massage was found to be an effective intervention and equal outcome compared to the use of pharmacologic treatments.

According to Gregory Montalbano, MD, Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon and NYU FacultyMember, “I find this to be an interesting study since it does support alternative therapy for arthritis patients, especially those that cannot tolerate or do not wish to use prescription medications which can have serious side effects. In my practice I try to give arthritis patients as many non-pharmacologic options as possible and this study supports the recommendation of olive oil as a potentially effective alternative treatment.”

“The next time you are cooking in the kitchen and your arthritis is acting up rub some olive oil on the painful joints for effective relief of symptoms.”

Olive Oil Massage - An Alternative Solution to Joint Pain (2024)

FAQs

Olive Oil Massage - An Alternative Solution to Joint Pain? ›

Extra-virgin olive oil can be used for more than just cooking. Rubbing a small amount on arthritic joints can ease the pain. This type of oil contains the same inflammatory enzymes as Advil. Researchers have found that 1 ½ teaspoons are equal to 200-mg of ibuprofen.

Does rubbing olive oil on joints help? ›

Extra virgin olive oil has also been studied for its protective benefits in inflammatory autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Human, animal and lab experiments have shown that the polyphenols in EVOO effectively combat inflammation and improve arthritis symptoms in joints and throughout the body.

How much olive oil per day for arthritis? ›

The Arthritis Foundation website suggests consuming 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil daily. Alongside Omega‑3, olive oil also contains oleocanthal, a natural compound which works in a similar way to NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs), by reducing the effect of enzymes that cause inflammation.

What is the best olive oil for joint pain? ›

Extra virgin olive oil, the least refined type, is pressed mechanically rather than processed with heat or chemicals that change its properties. It contains biologically active compounds – such as the polyphenols, oleocanthal, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and lignans – that have been linked to reduced joint damage in RA.

Which oil is best for joint pain massage? ›

Those are oils like coconut, almond, olive, avocado, or jojoba. That'll help protect your skin and make it easier to absorb. Rub into your skin, wherever you feel joint pain. You can also massage some onto your feet, arms, wrists, neck, or behind your ears.

What happens when you massage your body with olive oil? ›

Olive oil is considered a great massage oil, known to promote blood circulation. The oil contains polyphenols and antioxidants, and these compounds help enhance the elasticity of your blood vessels. Due to this, it becomes easy for the blood to flow throughout your body.

What happens if you rub olive oil on your skin? ›

Olive oil is packed with healthy vitamins, fats, and antioxidants, and these components can contribute to healthier-looking skin. It moisturizes skin by locking in moisture, and its antioxidants can help to improve signs of aging.

Does olive oil get rid of inflammation in the body? ›

Extra virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation, which may be one of the main reasons for its health benefits. Olive oil's main anti-inflammatory effects are from antioxidants, one of which is oleocanthal. This antioxidant has been shown to work like ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug.

What is the best natural supplement for joint pain? ›

Several nutritional supplements have shown promise for relieving pain, stiffness and other arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and curcumin are just some of the natural products researchers have studied for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Is olive oil massage good for bones? ›

Improves bone health

It also improves bone mineralization and the process of calcification. This property of olive oil is extremely helpful for people suffering from osteoporosis, who are susceptible to fractures because of reduced bone mass.

How to lubricate your joints naturally? ›

The more you move, the more lubrication moves through your joints. Movements may include simple warm ups before starting your workout, gentle stretching and exercise. Hydration is another key element to keeping your joints lubricated.

What oils should you avoid with arthritis? ›

Oil. Let's be clear: not all oils are bad for you! However, there are certain oils that have been shown to increase inflammation, namely: corn, sunflower, soy, and vegetable oil.

What is the strongest anti-inflammatory essential oil? ›

Thyme essential oil had the most effects, reducing COX-2 levels by nearly 75 percent . The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy also lists many oils that may reduce inflammation, including: roman chamomile. ginger.

Can you rub olive oil on your knees? ›

Did you know an olive oil massage can be a natural and effective alternative to prescription medications for treatment of painful joints? A recent study has shown olive oil massaged into painful fingers and knees can reduce pain as effectively as prescription medical treatments.

How to make joint pain oil at home? ›

​ To begin with this easy recipe, wash around 7-9 garlic cloves. Meanwhile, take a pan and add a bowl of mustard oil and heat it over medium flame followed by 1 tsp methi( fenugreek seeds), 5 crushed cloves, chopped garlic cloves and 2 sprigs of rosemary and black pepper. Boil the oil till the garlic turns brown.

What is the strongest essential oil for arthritis? ›

Below are six of the best essential oils for RA symptoms, alongside scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
  1. Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus contains several compounds that may help to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. ...
  2. Frankincense. ...
  3. Lavender. ...
  4. Ginger. ...
  5. Turmeric essential oil. ...
  6. Basil.
Jun 20, 2022

What is the best thing to lubricate joints? ›

Consuming healthy fats can increase joint health and lubrication. Foods high in healthy fats include salmon, trout, mackerel, avocados, olive oil, almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds. The omega-3 fatty acids in these foods will assist in joint lubrication.

Does rubbing olive oil on sore muscles help? ›

According to Lucian the olive oil had positive effects on athletes' bodies: “Then we rub their bodies with olive oil and work it in so that they will have better tone.” [23]. Furthermore, according to Hippocrates the post-exercise massage helped to alleviate muscle pain [6].

Which oil is most anti-inflammatory? ›

Flaxseed oil is the best oil source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation, lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), prevent blood clotting and benefit overall health.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5601

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.