MASSAGE FOR ARTHRITIS

 

Massage for Arthritis 

Your knees are throbbing after a full day of work. You have arthritis, so no surprise there. It is annoying and it makes it hard to enjoy activities. People with arthritis who experience severe symptoms may consider using massage therapy to help manage their pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. Yes, it is possible to reverse the symptoms of arthritis with a massage. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, massage is used by more than 15 million adults in the United States. It may benefit people with osteoarthritis. Regular massaging of arthritic joints can help reduce pain and improve the range of motion. There are many different types of massage.  These include:

      Reflexology.  Reflexology is alternative healing practiced mostly by Asians. It involves pushing defined points on one’s footbed. It can help increase blood flow and reduce the stiffness, swelling, pain, and discomfort commonly associated with arthritis.

Swedish Massage. Swedish massage treatments are a vital tool in delivering pain relief for rheumatism or degenerative joint disease sufferers as it promotes circulation, relieve aches and reduce stiffness. This is usually done by rubbing muscles with long, gliding strokes while using massage oil or lotion.

Thai Massage.  As you guessed, Thai massage came from Thailand. There are different Thai techniques. It combines massage with the placement of the body in yoga-like positions during the session. Some involve more flexibility stretching, while others focus on applying pressure to the muscles and joints.

Hot Stone Massage. Hot stone massage involves placing smooth basalt stones in different sizes and shapes. The rocks are water heated and placed onto pressure points throughout your body. The hit stones send soothing heat to the muscles, and tissues and cause the muscles to relax, release tension, and reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Deep Tissue Massage. It is intended to address severe tension or pain in the muscles and connective tissues. It focuses on the manipulation of both the top and deeper layers of muscles and tissues and requires strength or pressure from a therapist. Deep tissue massage may result in bruising as the massage therapist works in areas where there are scar tissues.

Anma. Anma refers to both a practice of traditional Japanese massage and to practitioners of that art. Modern shiatsu started from Anma. Anma involves the kneading of the muscles and other soft tissues. Anma uses no oils. Massaging the muscles and tissues can restore this flow and the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Ayurvedic Massage. Ayurveda is an Indian natural health tradition that blends yoga, massage, meditation, and herbs. Ayurvedic massage is also known as Abhyanga. It is a  full-body massage in addition to using aromatic oils chosen for purported spiritual healing properties.

 Lomi Lomi. It is a healing practice originated in Hawaii that involves diet, prayer, meditation, and other health techniques in addition to the massage of tissues and muscles.

Rolfing. Rolfing is similar to myofascial release. It involves moving the body into certain positions and manipulating fascia tissues. It is intended not only to promote relaxation and pain relief but to regain posture and ability to move.

Myofascial Release.  The myofascial release aims to reduce soreness, anxiety, and stiffness in muscles, and joints and improve circulation by manipulating the fascia, and connective tissues that surround muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Therapists perform this massage by gently rolling the skin back and forth on the back, legs, and other areas of the body without using oils, creams, or lotions.

Self-Massage. It is done by kneading your sore joints using your own hands, elbows, knuckles, or massage tools; it can be mechanized to offer heat or vibration.  Self-massage works well for swelling feet, hands, knees, calves, neck, or arms.

Shiatsu. Therapists may apply pressure to specific points of the body using the fingers and palms in continuous, rhythmic motions without using oil. Like other Asian massage and healing philosophies, shiatsu is thought to restore the flow of good energy, in the body.

Trigger Point Massage. It is intended to relieve pain by applying pressure or vibration to hyperirritable spots in the fascia. It includes injections into the trigger points. The trigger points are points in the muscles where knots may form, and the pinpointed pressure is designed to relax those knots and ease the pain. It should only perform in a doctor's office. There is no reason to let stiffness and pain control your life. Massage has been proven to be a helpful therapy to relieve joint pain and stiffness and to enable you to continue enjoying your life.                      

             Look for a spa that offers a wide variety of massage packages that can reduce your severe pain and tension in a calming peaceful atmosphere. Choose and find out which one is best for you.  Remember to consult your doctor before getting massage therapy to make sure it is safe for your arthritis and other health conditions you may have.