Massage therapy has been used for centuries to help people suffering from pain and discomfort. More recently, massage therapy has become increasingly popular for those suffering from a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Symptoms include joint swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and sometimes even severe pain.
The good news is that massage therapy can be beneficial for those with RA in many ways.
Here are some of the key benefits of massage for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Massage may help:
Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Massage therapy can provide significant relief from the pain associated with RA by helping to reduce inflammation and encourage circulation in the area.
This increased circulation can help deliver healing nutrients to inflamed tissues and promote the natural healing process throughout the body.
Studies have also found that massage increases endorphins—the body’s own natural painkillers—which may reduce pain levels further.
Improve Range of Motion
Many people with RA experience stiffness and loss of mobility due to joint damage or lack of muscle flexibility caused by prolonged immobility.
Massage therapy encourages increased range of motion by loosening tight muscles and tendons, which can help increase joint flexibility and improve overall mobility.
Enhance Mental Health
Living with a chronic condition like RA can take a toll on mental health, but research suggests that massage therapy can help improve mood and reduce stress levels.
By promoting relaxation through touch, massage helps reduce hormones such as cortisol (the stress hormone) while boosting productive chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. This can lead to improved feelings of wellbeing overall.
Boost Immune System Function
Research has found that massage therapy helps boost immune system function by increasing white blood cell count, which is important for fighting off infection in people with weakened immune systems due to chronic illnesses like RA.
Massage also boosts oxygen-rich blood flow throughout the body, helping create an optimal environment for healing cells to thrive.
Manage Stress
Stress often takes a toll on physical health when left unmanaged over time; however, studies suggest that regular massage sessions may offer potential benefits when it comes to reducing stress hormones associated with chronic conditions such as arthritis and rheumatoid disease flare-ups.
Massage promotes relaxation as well as improved moods through its calming touch, which can help alleviate stress resulting from daily life.
The Most Effective Types of Massage for RA
The most effective forms of massage for individuals with RA include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release therapy, reflexology treatment, aromatherapy massage, lymphatic drainage massage and craniosacral therapy.
Each type offers unique benefits that may help reduce pain and stiffness associated with RA as well as promote overall well-being. These techniques can also be combined depending on the individual’s needs in order to maximize therapeutic effect.
To book your massage, visit our scheduling page.