Does Massage Help Arthritis?

Kay Degner • December 13, 2021

Massage as Arthritis Pain Relief

Approximately 58.5 million adults (23.7% of the adult U.S. population) have been diagnosed with arthritis.

43.5% of these individuals (23.7 million people) face limitations in everyday tasks because of arthritis pain and complications. The pain and stiffness associated with arthritis can be debilitating for many, leading them to look for recourse outside of pharmaceuticals. One such option is a massage for arthritis.

While many people think of massages as self-care and a form of luxury, massage therapy can be essential for arthritis and chronic pain.

Instead of massage being a pampering experience, it’s a tool that individuals can turn to manage arthritis pain and the difficulties of the disease.

This article will discuss massage for arthritis and how transformative it can be for those suffering from it.

ALSO READ: 3 Effective Ways to Relieve Stress →

Does Massage Help Arthritis?

Many scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of massage therapy in treating arthritis pain.

One study by Duke Health compared patients who got weekly whole-body massages for two months with those who received light-touch control treatment or no extra treatment. Their results showed that massage patients reported improvement in stiffness, pain, and overall physical function.

In addition to arthritis pain relief, massage therapy enhances circulation and blood flow. Thus, it reduces swelling and slows down inflammation. Massage also helps improve muscle stiffness and aids mobility and exercise.

What Type of Massage Is Best for Arthritis?

Massage therapy is an affordable, non-pharmaceutical way to deal with arthritis pain. Many different types of massage can help those who have arthritis, but some are more popular than others.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release refers to a hands-on massage style that focuses on applying pressure on different body areas for a longer period.

In doing so, it breaks up tight connective tissue and provides arthritis pain relief. Research has shown myofascial release to be effective in helping with both rheumatoid arthritis and collagenous colitis.

By stimulating blood flow, massage therapy like myofascial release triggers the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.

Deep-Tissue Massage

Deep-tissue massage is known for using intense pressure to manipulate tissues and eliminate soreness and stiffness.

While highly effective, this may not be suitable for everyone. Depending on the severity of your arthritis and your sensitivity, a different technique may be better suited.

Discuss your condition with an experienced massage therapist to see whether this is a good option for you.

Swedish Massage

This popular massage technique involves using long strokes of pressure to unknot muscles and ease tension. Massage therapists may use oils and lotions and focus on applying moderate pressure to encourage relaxation and ease the pain.

Since this type of massage is both gentle and effective, many beginners start with Swedish massages.

Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Hot stones can help ease pain by relaxing muscles. Hot stone massages combine this with massage therapy to eliminate knots in muscles and provide arthritis pain relief.

While heat is helpful in many cases, it’s important to avoid aggravating inflamed joints with this kind of treatment.

Gentle Therapies Can Help Ease Your Arthritis Pain

A certified massage therapist can help you find arthritis pain relief via massage.

While many think of massage as a treat or a luxury, it can be a valuable treatment for those who have arthritis. Kay Degner is a nationally certified massage therapist and has been providing pain relief to customers since 2000.

From Swedish massage techniques to stone therapy, Gentle Therapies offers a wide range of services to help you with arthritis pain management. If you’re in Watertown, WI, or the surrounding area, call us at 920-261-6970 or request a session with us here.

Newer Post >