11/10/2021
ARTHRITIS & THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
Hello, I feel it’s always necessary to expand on the sort of treatments I can provide and thus I'm going to start looking at some conditions that are very commonplace. All the information noted below is my own writing and research into developing my understanding of the subject, with resources noted at bottom for people to delve into if they are interested. As always please message me for a booking o to answer any questions, I really appreciate the support I have received! Ryan
What sort of massage will help a client suffering from arthritis?
Generally you are looking at very light massage, we want to encourage movement through the areas that may have become stiff and feel less useful than they should be. We would make sure appropriate joints and tissues are covered that are located near each other. For example, if you had arthritis in the wrist then we would cover the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hands. If the area of arthritis is too tender for massage, we can work on the areas above and below to encourage movement without antagonising the site of pain. This means your full extremity is being improved rather than just the primary site of the arthritis.
What are the benefits of massage for someone with arthritis?
Going back to my initial point about encouraging movement, this comes in the form of lymphatic flow and blood flow. These aspects help to clear the swelling that is a very common symptom of arthritis. Improved blood flow can also help deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues which help with bringing functionality back to the area. Massage also has the added benefit of being a stress reliever, relaxing and allowing someone to work on something that has been causing a lot of grief can be outstanding for helping improve mental and physical health. In dealing with the pain levels from arthritis, massage can activate your parasympathetic system, this system is very difficult to activate and controls the body's “feel good” chemicals which negate pain interpreted by your nervous system. Overall, massage can be extremely beneficial and can be considered a genuine therapy to help with combating arthritis.
As with any treatment we would always go through health checks and make sure your safety is a priority.
Benefits of Massage (arthritis.org)
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/natural-therapies/benefits-of-massage
Rheumatoid arthritis - Symptoms - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms/
Massage and Arthritis | AMTA (amtamassage.org)
https://www.amtamassage.org/resources/massage-and-health/medical-treatments/arthritis/
Research shows that massage therapy can benefit those with arthritis.
