Massage Therapy For Arthritis

Massage therapy for arthritis can be helpful for the client who suffers from this horrible condition. Arthritis is a debilitating joint disease with inflammation, swelling, and pain.

It can leave a person unable to do simple activities of daily living such as walking across a room, using a fork and knife at mealtime, or combing hair. The pain at times is unbearable. The fingers and toes can gnarl, leaving the hands and feet virtually useless.

There are more than 100 types of this disease. The most common are rheumatoid (as above), osteoarthritis, and gout. Rheumatoid destroys synovial membrane which is the lining of the joints, mostly in the hands and feet. The synovial membrane gets replaced by fibrous tissues that make the joints stiffer and more difficult to move.

If the client is experiencing a flare-up with more pain and less movement than usual, massage is contraindicated. When in remission, massage is helpful and can ease pain and help with joint movement. Hot paraffin wax treatments are especially helpful to the client suffering from this disease.

Massage reduces stress. Gentle range of motion increases joint movements. Give the client with this condition a shorter massage routine if he/she is on medication for pain and inflammation as the client may not be able to give information regarding the amount of pressure being given during the massage.

Osteoarthritis is a slow wearing down of cartilage that happens because of chronic inflammation. This affects the weight bearing joints like the hips and knees. It is most often seen in senior citizens. Gentle pressure massage should be used. No deep massage or range of motion should be performed on clients with this condition.

Gout is when the body produces large amounts of uric acid and fails to eliminate it. Uric acid crystals settle in the joints, usually in the feet and toe joints. This creates swelling and a lot of pain. Local massage (massage on the affected areas) is contraindicated so do not massage the body parts with this condition.

Massage therapy for arthritis is helpful when performed in moderation. When in doubt, contact the client's attending physician.

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