Massages can significantly reduce one of runner's most common complaints: tight achy knees. Researchers gave 68 patients with knee osteoarthritis-pain caused by a breakdown for cartilage- regular, hour-long Swedish massages for 8 weeks. Those who were kneaded had significantly less knee pain and stiffness and more function in the joint. "Massage brings more blood into the area, which could remove toxins, decrease inflammation and improve flexibility and range of motion," explains study author Adam Perlman, M.D.
