Massage Therapies for Arthritis

Massage therapies for arthritis have been found to be highly effective. Arthritis is a disease that refers to the inflammation of the joints. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in these joints. Sometimes, the disease may also cause complications in other parts of the body like your muscles and internal organs.

Massage therapies for arthritis can effectively help improve joint movement and relax tense muscles. They also stimulate blood circulation so that there is increased flow of blood and nutrients to the part that is massaged. Here is an insight into how the massage therapies for arthritis work.

How Massage Therapies for Arthritis Works

Massage therapies for arthritis involve manipulation of muscles, tendons and other soft tissues through rubbing, stroking, or applying pressure on the flesh by the therapist. Massaging of muscles, tendons and soft tissues around the inflamed joint result in increased blood flow to and from the diseased joint. It also helps in enhanced lymphatic drainage around the treatment area.

Massage Therapies for Arthritis Treatment Sessions

Massage therapies for arthritis usually last from sixty to ninety minutes. However, undergoing just one session of therapy may give relief from pain on a short-term basis. In order to feel some real improvements, I personally recommend at least four to six sessions of massage therapy for arthritis, each of which should be about a week apart.

At first, the massage therapist asks questions about your current physical condition, medical history and what should be your expectations from the treatment. Based on these, the therapist decides on the right treatment you require.

Normally, the therapist asks you to remove some or all of your clothing and lie on a padded table with your body covered with a sheet or towel. The therapist uncovers only that part of your body, which would need to be massaged. The therapist then pours an oil or lotion on your skin and begins the massage therapy. You should inform your therapist if you have any skin allergies, before he uses any oil. During the therapy if you find that you are experiencing pain, ask the therapist to slow down. Rough rubbing and stroking are not recommended in massage therapies for arthritis.

How Much Do These Treatments Cost

Normally, massage therapies for arthritis may cost somewhere between $30 and $125 per hour depending on your physical condition, medical history and the intensity of pain. However, some insurance companies cover the cost of such alternative treatments, but then, you must get it prescribed by a doctor.

Massage Therapies for Arthritis At Home

You can always ask the massage therapist for some basic techniques for massaging your joints and yourself. You can then practise on yourself with these strokes.

Massage chairs and for the foot are good options to consider as well, but will not be nearly as effective if performed by a massage therapist.

With some basic techniques of self massage, you can accelerate the healing of your stiff joints and alleviate your pain.

For more information, please read Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms.