Effective, Natural Arthitis Pain Relief
August 1st, 2009
A gentle massage could be just what the doctor ordered if you are one of the many Americans who suffer from arthritis pain. Massage therapy won’t cure or eliminate your arthritis, but it can help to greatly relieve inflammation and swelling around the joints; reducing your pain by relieving the muscle stiffness. Massage increases the circulation to the joint and helps flush out stagnant fluids, bringing in fresh blood and nutrition to the area.
Gentle stretches can also help to maintain and, sometimes increase, the range of motion of a joint affected by arthritis. When a joint is affected by arthritis, it becomes worn down and loses its proper function. The surrounding muscles then reflexively engage to help support what the body is interpreting as an injury. Massage is a very effective way to help those muscles relax, receive new circulation and allow proper range of motion of the joint.
The two different types of arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis, where the lining and cartilage, or cushioning, has worn down inside the joint. Over time, this will cause pain and inflammation, and a loss of range of motion of the joint, as our bodies ‘guard’ against moving that area due to pain. This decrease in use and movement can lead to the muscles around the joint shortening and tensing up, resulting in muscle pain. Massage therapy itself won’t repair the wear and tear, but it will help to bring new circulation and nutrition to the affected joint. This allows the body to heal itself and possibly slow the progression of deterioration .
Rheumatoid arthritis, is a condition where deterioration of the joint lining occurs and destroys the bone and joint capsule. This usually leads to deformities of the affected joints. As the joint deteriorates, the muscles surrounding the affected area become imbalanced, atrophied, shortened and tense, resulting in pain. Massage will not help with joint deformity, but can help relieve the pain associated with RA by helping increase circulation and encouraging balance in the muscles.
A couple of precautions should be taken when seeking massage for your arthritis pain. Don’t get massage therapy during a flare-up. Doing so may only increase your discomfort. Be sure to let your Therapist know about your condition and insist they use only their gentlest pressure. You should feel comfortable enough to be able to stop the session if need be. Remember, YOU are the best judge of what is going on inside your body.
Many arthritis sufferers find that regular massage therapy greatly improves their condition by reducing their pain and helping them move easier. Massage is a great alternative to dangerous drugs and many of my clients find their relief lasts longer and their flexibility is improved when they commit to regular massage sessions.
If you suffer from the pain of arthritis and want to discover the relief regular massage therapy can give you. Call us at Absolutely Spahhhvelous at 940-343-5667 to schedule your appointment or request an appointment online at www.sangermassagetherapy.com.
Posted in Arthritis Relief
