Osteoarthritis and massage
Although it is not well-studied for arthritis, many people report significant benefits in terms of pain and relaxation. Many doctors recommend it for their patients, and some even have massage therapists working in their clinics. Although there are many forms of massage, the type most people are familiar with is Swedish massage, a full-body treatment that involves stroking or kneading the top layers of muscles with oils or lotions. Massage therapy can soothe pain, relax stiff muscles, and reduce the swelling that accompanies arthritis. Massage and gentle stretching help maintain a joint's range of motion. If you have osteoarthritis, gentle massage can help ease the pain. Start by putting a little vegetable oil or massage oil on your fingertips. Then work slowly around the affected joint, making small, gentle circles with your fingertips. It's best to avoid massage directly on the joint; stay just above and below it with your fingertips. Work on the area around the joint for three to five minutes each day. Gentle massage may also help reduce swelling in rheumatoid arthritis. Use the effleurage stroke to work the muscle and tissue around the joint with your fingertips. Make sure you use oil or cream on your fingers to make the massage more gentle. Work the area for five to ten minutes a day. Some of the most common therapeutic massage techniques are: Swedish massage, a smooth, flowing style that promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of movement, and relieves muscular tension; deep-tissue (or Neuromuscular) massage, a style which is intended to reach the connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, and release knots of tension called trigger points; sports massage which tends to focus on specific muscles, tendons and ligaments which affect athletic performance; and reflexology, which is based on the idea that massaging specific "reflex zones" on your feet can relieve tension, ease pain, and even improve circulation in corresponding parts of your body. Other, more specialized forms of therapeutic massage include: Myofascial Release, a gentle blend of stretching and massage which works on “fascia”, the thin connective tissue that covers every muscle and organ of the body; and Trigger Point Therapy (or Myotherapy) that uses deep pressure to release trigger points (tiny knots that develop in muscle fiber, fascia or ligaments). Massage is believed to be beneficial effects in several ways. Besides being physically and emotionally relaxing, massage improves blood and lymph circulation, reduces nerve irritation and brings fresh oxygen and other nutrients to the affected tissues. Massage may also cause the body to produce fewer stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine (formerly adrenalin), and may also increase the body's production of pain-killing endorphins and the mood-altering hormone serotonin.
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