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Massage therapy can be an effective method of treating the pain and inflammatory episodes associated with arthritis. Multiple studies have demonstrated patient relief when massage is integrated into a regular arthritis treatment plan. Learn more about how massage therapy could reduce the damaging side effects of your arthritic condition and enhance your overall wellness. Arthritis Origin and Statistics Arthritis is often associated with elderly patients, but it can develop at any point in your life. Arthritis causes joints to become inflamed, swell and rub against neighboring bone, causing mild to severe pain. Over time, the joint will grow stiff and become harder to move. Different types of arthritis can strike under varying circumstances. Osteoarthritis is related to aging, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and can appear in children as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Gout is a type of the disease where uric acid deposits limit bone and joint movement and increase inflammation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 52.5 million people in the United States suffer from some form of diagnosed arthritis. Arthritic conditions are the main cause of disability nationwide. Pain-Relieving Effects While studies are still being carried out to both understand massage therapy’s effect on the body in general and specifically how it can help certain conditions like arthritis, results have already shown positive feedback from participants. In 2006, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey tested 68 adults suffering from osteoarthritis. One group received two Swedish massages twice per week for eight weeks, while the other group did not. At the end of the trials, the group receiving massages reported reduction in pain and stiffness, increased flexibility and expanded range of motion of significant proportions. While it is still unknown how massage specifically addresses arthritic conditions, it has been proven to lower cortisol, a hormone contributing to stress, as well as increase the positive mood-enhancing neurotransmission of serotonin. In turn, patients may achieve a better quality of sleep, allowing more healing to take place. Types of Massage to Help Arthritis Patients In many cases, scheduling regular massages with qualified therapists with a history of helping arthritis patients may be the ideal choice. Sadly, most insurance plans do not cover massage therapy as a form of acceptable treatment for health conditions except in cases in which a primary doctor specifically prescribes the service. Self-massage is a useful technique for reducing inflammation in joints and muscles that are easy to reach. Also, a one-time investment in a high-quality massage chair could ease pain and provide a convenient massage outlet available at all times. Is Massage Therapy Right for You? Specific conditions related to arthritis may require a doctor’s approval for patients receive massage therapy treatment. Those with severely damaged joints, rashes, osteoporosis or high blood pressure should consult with a physician to make sure massage would help rather than worsen their condition. If you suffer from arthritis or another painful condition, look into massage therapy and purchasing a massage chair for daily treatments and relief.
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