ARTHRITIS AND THE BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Studies have shown that therapeutic massage can be a powerful ally in any program for managing your arthritis and maintaining as normal a life as possible.  Massage is especially effective in addressing the most common side effects caused by painful and stiff joints, muscle tension and pain, poor circulation, and limitations on normal movement and exercise. 

Pain relief:  Research indicates that massage stimulates the release of endorphins, your body’s natural pain killers, which can give you a welcome “pain break.”

Reduced muscle tension:  Muscles automatically tighten protectively around any painful area such as an arthritic joint.  The resulting muscle tension limits your range of motion and can be a source of pain in itself.  Therapeutic massage works directly with muscles to release tension and serves to calm the nervous system, allowing your muscles to relax further.   As a result, you may experience less pain and better joint mobility.

Increased circulation:  Massage has been shown to increase circulation, cleansing tissues of irritating and painful by-products of arthritic inflammation and improving nutrition to both muscles and joints.  Swelling often lessens with massage as excess fluid is pushed into the circulatory system where it can be eliminated.  Massage improves your body’s natural joint lubrication.

Support for exercise:  Because massage can reduce discomfort in muscles around your joints and improve joint mobility, you may find it easier and less painful to stretch and exercise appropriately.