A natural approach to easing pain and restoring mobility

If you suffer from the pain, swelling or stiffness of arthritis, you are not alone. Millions suffer from this disease, which literally means “joint inflammation.” Even though there is no known cure for arthritis, certain measures can slow down the process and help you live more comfortably. Therapeutic massage is one of those measures.

What is arthritis?

Though the term arthritis covers over 100 conditions, the overwhelming majority of arthritis cases take one or two forms: osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

 

Osteoarthritis is a degeneration of the cartilage that cushions joints. Often the result of years of normal wear, advanced osteoarthritis can result in bone grinding against bone. The major symptoms are pain, stiffness in the joints, inflammation and swelling.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune disorder. It usually affects the same joint on both sides of the body, for example both knees. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis damages cartilage and bone, and over time may cause deformity. During flare-ups you may experience flu-like symptoms. Period of intense flare-ups may alternate with days of minimal discomfort.

Why therapeutic massage?

Therapeutic massage can help manage the discomforts of arthritis in a number of ways.

 

Pain relief. Massage can reduce the devastating grip of arthritic pain by helping you refocus attention on the pleasant sensation of nurturing touch. Massage also directly addresses muscles and their connective tissue coverings, called fascia, that can painfully contract around arthritic joints. Massage gently coaxes your tissues to relax and lengthen, helping you enjoy greater comfort in the hours and days following your massage.

 

Reduced swelling and improved joint health. When tension is relieved, circulation improves. This cleanses tissues of irritating by-products from arthritic inflammation and improves nutrition to tissues. Swelling often lessens as excess fluid enters the circulatory system where it can be eliminated. With regular massage, natural joint lubrication is also likely to improve.

 

Improved mobility. Massage relaxes muscles and increases the pliability of fascia, both of which can limit your movement. This helps increase both comfort and range of motion in your daily activities.

Support for exercise. Research indicates that moving and exercising appropriately can slow the degenerative process of arthritis, both in the joints themselves and in muscle pain which can atrophy disuse. Because massage can reduce muscle pain and improve joint mobility, you may find it easier and less painful to stretch and exercise appropriately.

Some precautions to take

As long as it feels comfortable, therapeutic massage is almost always helpful for arthritis with a few precautions. Massage therapy should never cause you pain or discomfort, remaining within your tolerance level at all times. Extra caution is needed if you are on pain medication, since this can interfere with your giving accurate feedback to your massage therapist on pressure or tenderness. If you find you are fatigued or sore after a massage, shorter sessions may be more appropriate.

 

Extreme care should be taken during flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis. Some therapists prefer not to massage during this time. Others will work very gently in non-affected areas to relieve tension and improve your overall comfort.

 

To make sure you are receiving the most comfortable and effective treatment, keep your massage therapist informed about your symptoms, medications and any changes in your health. It is also important to let your primary health care practitioner know you are receiving massage.

Stress relief and arthritis

Emotional stress can increase your sensitivity to pain and drain your energy for dealing with arthritis and the demands of a normal life. Therapeutic massage can help by eliciting the body’s relaxation response, resulting in a deep sense of calm. This can leave you feeling more rested, optimistic and energetic. Sleep usually improves in the days following a massage, allowing your body to further repair and restore your energy levels.

 

Stress relief can play an especially positive role in rheumatoid arthritis. Research shows both that emotional stress can impair the body’s immune response and that regular massage can improve immune system function. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an immune system disorder, regular massage between flare-ups can make you less susceptible to acute episodes.