Benefits of Massage Therapy for Arthritis
Living every day with pain and discomfort can take a toll on our physical and mental health. A self-care practice is more than just facials and relaxing baths, it’s about listening to our body and checking-in with our overall well-being.
Arthritis, in particular, is a condition that impacts many but tends to go unnoticed and is often misunderstood. Although many associate it with old age, arthritis can affect anyone at any age: it’s actually the leading cause of disability in America. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many forms of treatment to help manage it—our personal favorite is massage therapy.
In honor of National Arthritis Awareness Month, we break down the benefits of massage therapy on chronic arthritis and discuss how to work with your massage therapist to make you feel more comfortable during your visit.
The impact of arthritis
23% of all adults in the United States have arthritis—that’s over 54 million people. According to the Arthritis Foundation, common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Those with rheumatoid arthritis specifically, suffer from chronic inflammation in their hands and feet making it extremely difficult to manage simple everyday activities. Although arthritis symptoms may range from causing moderate to severe pain, they usually get worse over time, especially if left untreated. The most important step in managing your arthritis is diagnosing it.
There are four types of arthritis:
Degenerative Arthritis: Most commonly known as Osteoarthritis, Degenerative arthritis is when the cartilage on our bones wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
Inflammatory Arthritis: When our immune system doesn’t work properly, we can develop inflammatory arthritis. In which our body mistakenly attacks our joints, potentially causing them to erode.
Infectious Arthritis: Occurs when bacteria finds its way into our joints and triggers inflammation.
Metabolic Arthritis: Develops when a high amount of uric acid in the body is stored and collected in the joints. Sharp needle-like sensations develop and can lead to chronic pain.
Massage for arthritis
Massage is a great way to increase circulation and reduce inflammation throughout the body, especially in joints and limbs. As the joints experience increased circulation they are able to move better, providing an individual with a wider range of motion and increased flexibility. A decrease in inflammation is also a huge contributor to helping with chronic pain and discomfort.
Massage therapy isn’t a “miracle cure,” but a treatment. Regular use of massage therapy can help individuals with arthritis over time. Increasing daily movement and staying well hydrated also encourage natural circulation, enhancing the positive benefits of massage even after you leave the spa. We suggest massages on a minimum of a monthly basis followed by plenty of water and light, low-impact exercise such as yoga, swimming, or walking.
No matter your physical condition, a massage should never feel uncomfortable or painful—if it does, something’s wrong. When it comes to massage therapy for individuals with arthritis, light pressure throughout the body is extremely important. In addition to increasing one’s relaxation, light and careful pressure throughout the body can actually provide those with arthritis pain the stimulation they need to reduce their discomfort and physical symptoms.
Working with your therapist
As with any treatment, communication is key. A massage therapist is trained to work with you and alter their routine to accommodate your needs and comfort. Showing up to a massage appointment 15 minutes early to have an open discussion with your therapist is the best way to ensure your experience is as relaxing as possible. It’s also important to note that there are certain massage styles that may not be appropriate for your specific kind of arthritis diagnosis. Generally, individuals with arthritis should avoid Deep Tissue massages, as they may involve harder pressure around or near an arthritic joint flare.
The best form of massage for individuals with arthritis is Swedish massage, as it encourages light and gentle pressure, used in long strokes throughout the body. When coupled with a pain relieving aid, such as our CBD Massage Oil the benefits increase ten-fold. CBD oil works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which has protein receptors throughout the body that absorb CBD, allowing your body to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Therapeutic massage is also an incredible option to alleviate arthritis pain as it is customizable for each individual guest and features neuromuscular therapies to target discomfort in specific areas of the body.
Relief is a click away
Understanding what treatment works best for your body takes time. Arthritis, in particular, is a condition that can transform overnight. Listening to your body and incorporating self-care into your wellness routine, is the perfect way to stay connected to experiences that make you feel like your best self. Our massage therapists are trained to help you relieve tension, target pain, and ease your worries away. Book a massage today to alleviate your arthritis symptoms and relax towards a better you.