Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that can cause joint pain and discomfort. At this time there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However treatments and lifestyle choices are available that can keep the soreness and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis at tolerable levels. Massage therapy can often help soothe and relax stiff joints.
Massage Therapy for RA
Massage therapy can help relieve the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The assortment of techniques used by massage therapists can help stimulate circulation, ease pain and inflammation and help improve flexibility and provide a general feeling of well-being.
A massage works by manipulating the muscle tissues through kneading and stroking the skin. Massage therapy is known to relieve chronic pain when performed on an ongoing basis. And it can offer RA sufferers the added benefits of lowering blood pressure and enhancing the immune system.
While it is free of side effects, people should avoid massage therapy during times when RA flares up.
Massage Studies
Massage therapy is not a proven treatment for RA, but a small study conducted by the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed promising results.
The recently concluded study found that massage therapy reduces pain and improves grip strength in people who suffer from arthritis in their hands.
The study participants were given weekly hand massages over a four-week period. In addition, they were taught massage their own hands and wrists daily.
Assorted Massage Techniques
You can choose from more than 100 potentially beneficial massage applications. The Swedish massage is known for its long strokes to affect the superficial layers of your muscles, while deep tissue massage emphasizes slow strokes with continuous pressure to impact your deep layers of muscle and ease chronic muscular tension.
The hot stone massage relies on heated stones to improve circulation. This therapy can effectively sooth stiff and sore muscles. If you have a heart condition, you should avoid the hot stone massage. The Shiatsu massage is a finger pressure technique of Japanese origin. It uses traditional acupuncture points and encourages self-healing. Trigger point massage uses finger pressure to loosen up knots of tension that can trigger pain in other areas of the body.
Myofascial Release
The soft-tissue therapy of the myofascial release is another alternative that works to stretch and manipulate your connective tissues. The goal of the treatment is strengthen the tissues, which in turn will increase their flexibility and extend your range of motion.
As always it's a good idea to consult your doctor before beginning any alternative treatment for your condition, including massage therapy.
Tags: finger pressure, Massage therapy, massage therapy, Massage therapy, rheumatoid arthritis