Arthritis does not recognize age or origins; it causes disability and morbidity in millions across the world. Statistics show that more women are at risk of this disorder, and there are also more women who suffer from arthritis compared to men. There are many types of arthritis with varying causes and symptoms, but the one thing that they all have in common is pain.
WORDS ABRAHAM MATHEW SAJI
Massage has been in existence since centuries and has been one of the oldest techniques of pain management.
- It has traditionally been used for improving circulation and flexibility as well as reducing inflammation, pain stress and anxiety.
- It can slow down degeneration process, ease the pain, increase the level of comfort, and improve mobility.
Therefore, it can be a great complement to any arthritic pain management and lifestyle improvement programs.
CIRCULATORY PROBLEMS
- Massage therapy improves blood circulation to the affected areas.
- This helps to provide much needed nutrition and oxygen to the arthritic joint or muscle.
- It also helps to clean the affected area’s tissues of the arthritic inflammation’s by-products such as lactic acid.
- All these effects result in better mobility and reduced inflammation.
MUSCLE STIFFNESS
- Muscles around an arthritic joint or bone usually tighten in order to provide protection to the affected tissue, resulting in muscle stiffness.
- Massage therapy aids in releasing the tension in muscles and relaxing these muscles, leading to improved mobility.
PAIN
- Massage therapy stimulates the release of endorphins, which act as natural pain killers in the body.
MOBILITY ISSUES
- Due to its effects on reduction of inflammation and pain, massage therapy enables the arthritic patient to have improved mobility.
GENERAL HEALTH
- Massage therapy can trigger our body to produce less cortisol (“the stress hormone”) and more serotonin (“the feel-good” or “happiness” neurotransmitter).
- Massage therapy also lowers the level of substance P (commonly known as “the pain neurotransmitter”), thus reducing pain and improving sleep.
THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Some common types are:
- Swedish massage, which incorporates long strokes of muscles and tissues.
- Hot stone massage involves the placement of hot smooth rounded stones on the back as one lies on her stomach.
- Ayurvedic massage, involving the use of certain medicinal oils.
- Deep tissue massage. The therapist places additional pressure deep into the tissues of affected areas.
- Anma is the Japanese-style kneading action on muscles without the use of oils.
- Lomilomi, a Hawaiian technique combining diet and meditation along with massage.
- Thai massage is carried out in various yoga-like body positions.
- Myofascial release massages and relaxes the fascia, a band of connective fibers (mainly collagen) that is located under the skin to join and stabilize internal organs, muscles and tissues.
- Shiatsu is a Japanese massage that applies pressure to specific points of the body using fingers and palms in a continuous rhythmic motion.
- Trigger point massage applies a combination of pressure and vibration on certain points on the body.
When deciding on the massage therapy that is most suited to you, remember that arthritic joints are extremely sensitive to pressure and touch.
Talk to your doctor and a qualified message therapist for more information.
| This article is part of our series on traditional and complementary medicine. |
Reference: Lorig, K., Holman, H., Sobel, D., Laurent, D., Gonzalez, V., & Minor, M. (2013). Living a healthy life with chronic conditions: For ongoing physical and mental health conditions (4th ed.). Bull Publishing Company.
