Having difficult with those buttons due to arthritis pain in your fingers? Massage really can help!
Exactly what is arthritis?
It’s more complicated than most people think. It comes in different forms and affects people differently. The common thread is inflammation and stiffness of the joints. We use the word, “arthritis”, as an informal way to refer to joint pain and joint disease.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. People of all ages, genders and races can have arthritis… And it’s the leading cause of disability in America! It’s most common among women and occurs more frequently as we age.
How does massage help?
Regular massage of muscles and joints can lead to a significant reduction in pain for people with arthritis. Research shows that regular use of massage therapy led to improvements in pain, stiffness, range of motion, hand grip strength and overall function of the joints.
Tiffany Field, PhD, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine says, “what matters most is the level of pressure used in the massage – preferably moderate to light”. Her 2010 study, published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, showed that stimulating pressure receptors, or nerves under the skin that convey pain-reducing signals to the brain, with moderate pressure leads to reduced symptoms.
Most importantly, massage should make you feel better, not worse! That’s why my motto of, “Massage does not have to hurt to be effective!” really holds true for arthritis sufferers! Firm, yet gentle, focused massage can:
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Decrease Pain
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Improve Function
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Reduce Stiffness
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Increase Range-of-Motion
Massage is something many people use to soothe sore joints and muscles; to ease anxiety and to help them sleep better. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), reports that massage is one of the most popular complementary therapies used by Americans. Research shows that massage can affect the body’s production of some hormones linked to blood pressure, anxiety, heart rate and other key vital signs.
A good approach is to use massage to fight the pain, as well as the stress that comes along with it. Massage allows the entire body to relax and focuses on the areas in which you are having a flare.
I’m thrilled when massage helps reduce pain levels and increase range of motion. But more importantly, massage can assist your body’s natural ability to heal; not only physically but emotionally. I firmly believe that in order to heal you must find rest. Massage therapy allows the body to relax deeply, which in turn, promotes healing.
Like to try massage for your arthritis pain? Give me a call. Consultations are always free. 501-915-4012 Or, schedule your appointment here.
Susan Gee, LMT
Progressive Massage Therapy
Hot Springs Village, AR
501-915-4012