How Medical Massage Can Provide Relief from Arthritis Symptoms

Medical massage specifically designed for arthritis patients can ease muscle spasms, stiffness, inflammation and pain associated with the chronic condition. Trained therapists use specialized techniques to provide relief and improve mobility and flexibility.

Techniques Used in Medical Massage for Arthritis

Therapists commonly employ:

Trigger Point Therapy

Applying sustained pressure on trigger points – painful knots in tight muscles that cause arthritis pain – can reduce inflammation and provide lasting relief.

Deep Tissue Massage

Stroking the outer layers of muscles to reach deeper tissues helps loosen contracted muscles and fascia that limit range of motion and mobility in arthritis sufferers.

Myofascial Release

Stretching tightened fascia – the connective tissues surrounding muscles – can help restore mobility and range of motion restricted due to arthritis.

Gentle Stretching and Mobilization

Passive movements of stiff joints, combined with soft tissue massage, can help regain range of motion without aggravating inflamed tissues.

Benefits for Arthritis Sufferers

Medical massage customized for arthritis can help:

Reduce Inflammation

Manual lymphatic drainage and improved blood flow hasten removal of metabolic waste and chemicals that fuel inflammation.

Lessen Joint Stiffness

Muscles and fascia surrounding arthritic joints are loosened and lengthened to improve mobility, decrease stiffness and reduce pain.

Relieve Muscle Spasms

Trigger point therapy soothes tight muscles that cause referred pain and tenderness in arthritic joints.

Improve Mood

Stress relief and physical comfort arising from massage lower depression and anxiety commonly associated with chronic arthritis.

Conclusion

By incorporating medical massage into an arthritis management program together with medication and physical therapy, patients may benefit the most from:

• Lower inflammation levels that ease pain and symptoms
• Better range of joint motion and reduced stiffness
• Relief from muscle spasms that worsen arthritis discomfort
• Improved mood and outlook from physical and mental relaxation

Consult with a trained massage therapist about developing a customized regimen tailored just for you that can maximize relief from the life-disrupting symptoms of arthritis.