4 Things You Should Learn about Arthritis and Massage Therapy

If you’re used to being uncomfortable, it’s normal to be reluctant from contact. However, consider this: massage therapy by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is an effective short-term and non-medicated method to relieve stiffness and arthritis and aid in keeping you active. This is what you should learn about including massage therapy in your arthritis treatment tools.

4 Things You Should Learn about Arthritis and Massage Therapy

Know the science behind relief

What is the role of massage in easing arthritis-related symptoms? According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD), massage done by an RMT helps to reduce arthritis pain and increase the flexibility of joints, muscles, and tendons.

According to Claire Gavin, a Toronto-based RMT describes, “Massage helps relieve pain and eases muscle stiffness caused by arthritis by enhancing circulation and aiding in reducing inflammation.

This leads to increased blood flow to joints that are arthritic which allows for improved mobility, as well as less pain”. She also explains that massage utilizes manipulation of soft tissues to relieve muscle tension to provide a better range of motion and relieve pain.

Also, as many with arthritis will attest that less pain and greater flexibility can help keep you active and, in turn, keep you from the vicious cycle of becoming sore, stiff, stiff and sedentary.

Different symptoms, different benefits

Massage can assist with different types of arthritis in particular ways. For instance, if you suffer from a rheumatoid joint (RA) massage therapy can help improve circulation in the joints that are arthritic, decreasing swelling and improving the quality of living.

Avoid massages on joints affected when you are experiencing the course of an RA flare-up, but do it. Massage can reduce inflammation and pain, as well as improve joint mobility, and offer tension relief and stress relief.

Communication is essential.

Consult your family physician or rheumatologist for advice on whether massage therapy is appropriate for your type of arthritis. When you first visit a massage be on time to complete the health history form that you together with your RMT will go over so that they can create a suitable treatment program.

Certain types of massage might not be suitable for you, like deep tissue massage, or massage of or around an arthritic joint when you are in a flare. Your doctor can assist you in determining the most appropriate approach for you.

If you’re an employee on a health insurance plan, a portion (or all) of your massages may be covered. Make sure you check with your insurance provider and save your receipt.

What can you anticipate from your first appointment?

Alongside looking over your medical information and prescriptions, your RMT will also inquire about pain points that are specific to you and will gently evaluate how much motion range you can perform.

The therapist will then leave the room for you to change. Many people are confused about whether you need to take off all of your clothes, except your underwear during the session? If you’re okay with it then fine.

Or you could wear loose fitting clothing such as sweatpants and T-shirts. After that, you lay down on the massage table, beneath the clean sheets while your RMT will check to see whether you’re prepared.

Your RMT will only unwrap the body part that is being massaged. It is important to tell your therapist when you feel discomfort so that they can alter their technique. After the massage, you may feel a bit lightheaded So be patient when getting off the treatment table.

The therapist will leave the room so that you can change. Then, they will be back to discuss self-care (like drinking plenty of water following your massage) and any follow-up treatments. The therapist might be able to suggest some at-home stretching exercises to keep that relaxed, post-massage feel in the air.

If you’re seeking a drug-free quick relief from stiffness and pain caused by arthritis, think about including massage therapy into treatments options. With the help of Massage Addict.

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