Osteoarthritis affects more than 500 million people worldwide, with women disproportionately affected by the condition. Osteoarthritis which is characterized by joint pain and stiffness, most often affects the hands, feet, knees, hips, and spine. Often we seek a quick fix for musculoskeletal conditions, but these conditions particularly in the case of osteoarthritis are influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

This review provides manual therapy practitioners—specifically massage therapists, acupuncturists, and bodywork clinicians—with an integrative framework that bridges historical point-based therapies with contemporary neuroscience. It highlights the remarkable cross-cultural convergence in identifying tender somatic points and offers an updated model for clinical communication and treatment rationales.

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a soft tissue technique that uses handheld tools to stimulate local mechanoreceptors and promote recovery. IASTM devices may be made from different materials (e.g., wood, stone, jade, steel, ceramic, resin).

Mindfulness-based interventions include slow controlled breathing, mindfulness meditation, cognitive–behavioral therapies, biofeedback, guided imagery and physical activities such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong. These activities may be used to increase self-awareness, relieve stress, and improve interoception.