Massage Therapy For Arthritis

Arthritis is a muskoskeletal disorder affecting the joints. The symptoms include chronic pain, inflammation and stiffness, which lead to limited functions of joints. This condition usually affects adults, who are 20 years and above. There are many types of arthritis like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. There are various treatment methods available for this condition, but most of the arthritis patients may not think about massage as one of the disease management solutions for them. However, joint problem can be completely cured with massage and it is a better solution for arthritis problem as it has no side effects and it is completely safe.

Massage reduces pain, swelling, stiffness of muscles and improves handgrip strength as well as joint functions. Many doctors suggest massage therapy for patients suffering from arthritis. When massage is given to muscles around the joints on a regular basis, it improves the blood circulation around the joints thus more oxygen and nutrients are supplied to the region resulting in rebuilding of tissues. Increased blood circulation flushes toxins and waste products too. Removing waste from the body is very important in arthritis. Massage therapy breaks the waste accumulation in joints, tissues and muscles and helps in eliminating waste. It also increases the chances of developing new tissues.

Various Types Of Massage Therapy For Arthritis

Swedish Massage

It is one of the common massage techniques for arthritis. It helps relax muscles and gives the body more energy. It increases blood circulation and removes toxins from the tissues. It increases flexibility and stretches ligaments and tendons.

This massage is done by applying pressure on muscles in long and smooth strokes towards the direction of the blood returning to heart. It includes pressure applied using hand and palms in a circular motion, kneading, tapping, stretching and bending.

Deep Tissue Massage

It gives fast recovery from muscle injury and damage. It reduces muscle tension and increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, detoxifies muscles and reduces inflammation. It involves both superficial muscle massage and deep layer muscle massage. It relaxes chronic muscle tension.

The focus is more on deep protective layers of bones and joints. The strokes are slower and pressure applied is deep and is focused on areas that have pain and tension. It releases congestion of muscles and works as both therapeutic and corrective treatment.

Shiatsu

This is a Japanese technique, which uses hand, finger and palm for applying pressure on specific regions for relieving pain. It gives energy and improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the painful region. It is believed to be equivalent to acupressure as specific pressure points are focused.

It includes breathing, stretching and rotating the joints, which helps in manipulating the joints and treats this condition. It balances the energy flow and prevents stress. It includes holding, heating, rubbing and stretching for applying pressure.

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Reflexology

Finger and thumb are used for giving massage in this technique. The reflex points are targeted to ease pain and improve the condition. It focuses on the foot as it is believed that foot and hands correspond to various parts of the body and massaging those triggers the nervous system, which helps in healing the problem.

Painless pressure is applied on the foot. Thumb and the forefinger are used to identify the parts of the body, which have problems in functioning. Foot and palms have nerve endings and applying pressure on them stimulates the functioning of the organs and promotes better health.

Myofascial Release

Gentle pressure is applied on myofascial tissues to relive pain and increase mobility. This technique increases flexibility and strength of the muscles, which eliminates pain. It aids in stretching and loosening. The mobility of the patient is increased and movements are made free.

Pressure is applied on soft myofascial connective tissues to get rid of pain and to reinstate normal motion in the patients. The desired results after this massage are more than just temporary benefits. Advanced myofascial release uses lubricants, which is more effective in curing arthritis.