Although massage will not reduce inflammation or joint damage from arthritis, massage can help reduce pain and improve the mobility of joints and muscles affected by arthritis. In this blog we’ll explore massage for arthritis, how does it help?
There are scientific studies on the benefits of massage specifically for arthritis. Massage provides short term pain-relieving benefits.
What type of massage is best?
Researchers have found that moderate pressure massage is key. Therefore it is best to seek a remedial massage therapist that has the strength and skills to apply deep tissue massage, while taking your pain threshold into consideration. Seek a qualified massage therapist that has an association membership. You can search for a massage therapist on their websites.
However, you may also massage your own sore joints and muscles. Either by hand or with self massage tools.
How does massage work?
Massage is often used to relieve common symptoms. For example, reducing pain and stiffness, easing anxiety, improving range of motion in joints, and promoting more restful sleep.
“Massage can result in a significant reduction in pain” for people with all types of arthritis, says Tiffany Field, PhD, a research psychologist at the University of Miami Medical School.
“Any type of massage therapy that involves moderate pressure, including self-massage, should help relieve arthritis pain and ease tension”
Field says
That is to say, moderate pressure stimulates the pressure receptors under the skin that convey signals to the brain. These alleviate pain and release beneficial, stress-reducing neurochemicals like serotonin.
“We’ve found that light pressure in massage is arousing, not relaxing. With light pressure, the heart rate goes up, the blood pressure goes up. Moderate pressure stimulates relaxation, the heart rate goes down, the blood pressure goes down,” she says.
People with arthritis who experience chronic symptoms may consider using massage therapy regularly. Similarly, daily self-massage can help manage their pain and stiffness. Likewise, promote better sleep that can in turn relieve pain in muscles and joints, Field notes.
Contraindications
Always discuss any new treatments you are thinking about trying with your arthritis specialist or doctor. Likewise, it is important to check the qualifications and experience of the therapist providing the massage.
Massage therapy may not be appropriate when joints are acutely inflamed; check with your specialist or doctor.
Advise your massage therapist if you have:
- Damaged or eroded joints from arthritis
- Flare of inflammation, fever or a skin rash
- Severe osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- High blood pressure
- Varicose veins
Self Care
Discuss with your massage therapist what you should and shouldn’t do following a massage. While regular maintenance is necessary, there are things people can do between appointments to help with arthritis pain, including self-massage. Clients can massage their own joints at home every day to boost circulation, blood flow and mobility in the muscles and joints.
How to self massage your hands
ALM Remedial provides remedial massage for the relief of arthritis. Servicing the Yarra Valley and surrounding areas.
